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PREFACE TO 1835 EDITION
Dear Brethren:
We deem it to be unnecessary to entertain you with a lengthy preface to
the following volume, but merely to say, that it contains in short, the
leading items of the religion which we have professed to believe.
The first part of the book will be found to contain a series of Lectures
as delivered before a Theological class in this place, and in consequence
of their embracing the important
doctrine of salvation, we have arranged them into the following work.
The second part contains items or principles for the regulation of the
church, as taken
from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as
well as from former ones.
There may be an aversion in the minds of some against receiving any thing
purporting to be articles of religious faith, in consequence of there being
so many now extant; but if men believe a system, and profess that it was
given by inspiration, certainly, the more
intelligibly they can present it, the better. It does not make a principle
untrue to print it, neither does it make it true not to print it.
The church viewing this subject to be of importance, appointed, through
their servants and delegates the High Council, your servants to select
and compile this work. Several reasons might be adduced in favor of this
move of the Council, but we only add a few
words. They knew that the church was evil spoken of in many places-its
faith and belief misrepresented, and the way of truth thus subverted. By
some it was represented as disbelieving the BIBLE,
by others as being an enemy to all good order and uprightness, and by
others as being injurious to the peace of all governments civil and political.
We have, therefore, endeavored to present, though in few words, our belief,
and when we say this, humbly trust, the faith and principles of this society
as a body.
We do not present this little volume with any other expectation than that
we are to be
called to answer to every principle advanced, in that day when the secrets
of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of every man's labor
be given him.
With sentiments of esteem and sincere respect, we subscribe ourselves
your brethren in the bonds of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Joseph
Smith,
Jr.
Oliver
Cowdery
Sidney
Rigdon
propernameF.G.
Williams
Kirtland, Ohio
February 17, 1835
LECTURES ON FAITH
LECTURE 1 - FAITH DEFINED
1
1Faith being the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation
of all righteousness, necessarily claims the first place in a course of
lectures which are designed to unfold to the understanding the doctrine
of Jesus Christ.
2In presenting the subject of faith, we shall observe the following order:
3First, faith itself-what it is.
4Second, the object on which it rests;
5Third, the effects which flow from it.
6Agreeable to this order we have first to show what faith is.
7The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, in the eleventh chapter of that
epistle, and first verse, gives the following definition of the word faith:
8Now faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen.
9From this we learn that faith is the assurance which men have of the existence
of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all
intelligent beings.
10If men were duly to consider themselves, and turn their thoughts and reflections
to the operations of their own minds, they would readily discover that
it is faith, and faith only, which is the moving cause of all action in
them; that without it, both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity,
and all their exertions would cease, both physical and mental.
11Were this class to go back and reflect upon the history of their lives,
from the period of their first recollection, and ask themselves what principle
excited them to action, or what gave them energy and activity in all their
lawful avocations, callings, and pursuits, what would be the answer? Would
it not be that it was the assurance which we had of the
existence of things which we had not seen as yet? Was it not the hope
which you had, in consequence of your belief in the existence of unseen
things, which stimulated you to action and exertion, in order to obtain
them? Are you not dependent on your faith, or belief, for the acquisition
of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence? Would you exert
yourselves to obtain wisdom and intelligence, unless you did believe that
you could obtain them? Would you have ever sown if you had not believed
that you would reap? Would you have ever planted if you had not believed
that you would gather? Would you have ever asked unless you had believed
that you would receive? Would you have ever sought unless you had believed
that you would have found? Or would you have ever knocked
unless you had believed that it would have been opened unto you? In a
word, is there anything that you would have done, either physical or mental,
if you had not previously believed? Are not all your exertions of every
kind dependent on your faith? Or may we not ask, what have you, or what
do you possess, which you have not obtained by reason of your faith? Your
food, your raiment, your lodgings, are they not all by reason of your
faith? Reflect, and ask yourselves if these things are not so. Turn your
thoughts on your own minds, and see if faith is not the moving cause of
all action in yourselves; and if the moving cause in you, is it not in
all other intelligent beings?
12And as faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns, so
it is in spiritual; for the Savior has said, and that truly, that "He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).
13As we receive by faith all temporal blessings that we do receive, so we
in like manner
receive by faith all spiritual blessings that we do receive. But faith
is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent
beings, whether in heaven or on earth. Thus says the author of the epistle
to the Hebrews 11:3:
14Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
15By this we understand that the principle of power, which existed in the
bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is
by reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, that all created
things exist-so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth,
exist by reason of faith, as it existed in Him.
16Had it not been for the principle of faith, the worlds would never have
been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust. It is the
principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power
over all temporal, as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute
(for it is an attribute) from the Deity, and he would cease to exist.
17Who cannot see that if God framed the worlds by faith, that it is by faith
that he exercises power over them, and that faith is the principle of power?
And that if the
principle of power, it must be so in man as well as in the Deity? This
is the testimony of all the sacred writers, and the lesson which they have
been endeavoring to teach to man.
18The Savior says, in explaining the reason why the disciples could not
cast out the devil, that it was because of their unbelief: "For verily
I say unto you," said he, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto this mountain, 'Remove hence to yonder
place!' and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
(Matthew 17:19- 20).
19Moroni, while abridging and compiling the record of his fathers, has given
us the following account of faith as the principle of power: He
a
aEther 12:13says that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek which caused the walls of
the prison to be
b
bAlma 14:23-29rent; that it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi which caused a change to
be wrought upon the hearts of the Lamanites when they were immersed with
the Holy Spirit, and with
c
cHelaman 5:32-50fire; and that it was by faith that the mountain Zerin was
d
dEther 12:30removed, when the Brother of Jared spake in the name of the Lord.
20In addition to this we are told in Hebrews 11:32-35, that Gideon, Barak,
Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets through faith subdued
kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths
of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword,
out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in
fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, and that women received
their dead raised to life again, etc.
21Also Joshua, in the sight of all Israel,
e
eJoshua 10:12-13bade the sun and moon to stand still, and it was done.
22We here understand that the sacred writers say that all these things were
done by faith. It was by faith that the worlds were framed-God spake, chaos
heard, and worlds came into order, by reason of the faith there was in
Him. So with man also-he spake by faith in the name of God, and the sun
stood still, the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell,
lions' mouths were closed, the human heart lost its enmity, fire its violence,
armies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion; and all
this by reason of the faith
which was in him.
23Had it not been for the faith which was in man, they might have spoken
to the sun, the moon, the mountains, prisons, lions, the human heart, fire,
armies, the sword, or to death in vain!
24Faith then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion,
and authority over all things; by it they exist, by it they are upheld,
by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to the will of
God. Without it, there is no power, and
without power there could be no creation, nor existence!
QUESTIONS
1What is theology?
It is that revealed science which treats of the being and attributes of
God, his relations to us, the dispensations of his providence, his will
with respect to our actions, and his
purposes with respect to our end.
2What is the first principle in this revealed science?
Faith. (Lecture 1:1)
3Why is faith the first principle in this revealed science?
Because it is the foundation of all righteousness.
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please [God].
1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness
is righteous, even as he [God] is righteous. (Lecture 1:1)
4What arrangement should be followed in presenting the subject of faith?
First, it should be shown what faith is. (Lecture 1:3)
Second, the object upon which it rests. (Lecture 1:4)
Third, the events which flow from it. (Lecture 1:5)
5What is faith?
It "is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)
That is, it is the assurance we have of the existence of unseen things;
and being the
assurance which we have of the existence of unseen things, must be the
principle of action in all intelligent beings.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God. (Lecture 1:8-9)
6How do you prove that faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings?
First, by duly considering the operations of my own mind; and second,
by the direct declaration of scripture.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the
which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which
is by faith.
Hebrews 11:8-9 By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a
place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he
went out, not knowing
whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a
strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs
with him of the same promise.
Hebrews 11:27 By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the
king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. (Lecture 1:10-11)
7Is not faith the principle of action in spiritual things as well as in temporal?
It is.
8How do you prove it?
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please [God]. Mark 16:16
He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the
end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is
of the law, but to that also
which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. (Lecture
1:12-13)
9Is faith anything else beside the principle of action?
It is.
10What is it?
It is the principle of power also. (Lecture 1:13)
11How do you prove it?
First, it is the principle of power in the Deity, as well as in man.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things
which do appear. (Lecture 1:1-16)
Second, it is the principle of power in man also.
Alma 14:23-29 Alma and Amulek are delivered from prison.
Helaman 5:37-50 Nephi and Lehi, with the Lamanites, are immersed with
the Spirit.
Ether 12:30 The mountain Zerin, by the faith of the Brother
of Jared, is removed.
Joshua 10:12-13 Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord
delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in
the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon,
in the valley of Ajalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed,
until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this
written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven,
and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
Matthew 17:19-20 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, "Why
could not we cast him out?" And Jesus said unto them, "Because of your
unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard
seed, ye shall say unto this
mountain, 'Remove hence to yonder place;' and it shall remove; and nothing
shall be impossible unto you."
Hebrews 11:32-35 And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me
to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, of David
also, and Samuel, and of the prophets. Who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
Quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received
their dead raised to
life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that
they might obtain a better resurrection. (Lecture 1:16-22)
12How would you define faith in its most unlimited sense?
It is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and
authority over all things. (Lecture 1:24)
13How do you convey to the understanding more clearly that faith is the
first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority
over all things?
By it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by
it they remain,
agreeable to the will of God; and without it there is no power; and without
power there could be no creation, nor existence! (Lecture 1:24)
LECTURE 2 - THE OBJECT OF FAITH
2
1Having shown in our previous lecture "faith itself-what it is," we shall
proceed to show secondly the object on which it rests.
2We here observe that God is the only supreme governor and independent
being in whom all fulness and perfection dwells; who is omnipotent, omnipresent,
and omniscient;
without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift,
and every good principle dwells; and that he is the Father of lights. In
him the principle of faith dwells independently; and he is the object in
whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers for
life and salvation.
3In order to present this part of the subject in a clear and conspicuous
point of light, it is necessary to go back and show the evidences which
mankind has had, and the foundation on which these evidences are, or were,
based since the creation, to believe in the existence of a God.
4We do not mean those evidences which are manifested by the works of creation
which we daily behold with our natural eyes. We are sensible that after
a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of creation throughout their vast
forms and varieties, clearly exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans
1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead." But we mean those evidences
by which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men that there
was a God who created all things.
5We shall now proceed to examine the situation of man at his first creation.
Moses, the historian, has given us the following account of him in the
first chapter of the Book of
Genesis, beginning with the 27th
verse, and closing with the 31st. We copy from the New Translation:
6And the Lord God, said unto the Only Begotten, who was with him from the
beginning, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness;" and it was
done.
7And the Lord God, said, "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."
8So God, created man in his own image, in the image of the Only Begotten
created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them,
and God said unto them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,
and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."
9And the Lord God said unto man, "Behold, I have given you every herb,
bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth; and every tree in
the which is the fruit of a tree, yielding seed; to you it shall be for
meat."
10Again, Genesis 2:15-20:
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to
dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "Of
every tree of the
garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it; nevertheless,
you may choose for yourself, for it is given unto you; but remember that I forbid it; for
in the day you eat thereof you shall surely die."
11And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and
every fowl of the air; and commanded that they should be brought unto Adam,
to see what he would call them...And whatever Adam called every living
creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle,
and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field.
12From the foregoing we learn man's situation at his first creation; the
knowledge with
which he was endowed, and the high and exalted station in which he was
placed-lord, or governor of all things on earth, and at the same time enjoying
communion and intercourse with his Maker, without a vail to separate between.
We shall next proceed to examine the account given of his fall, and of
his being driven out of the garden of Eden, and from the presence of the
Lord.
13Moses proceeds:
And they [Adam and Eve] heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were
walking in the garden, in the cool of the day. And Adam and his wife hid
themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden.
And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, "Where are you going?"
And he said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because
I beheld that I was naked, and I hid myself."
14"And the Lord God said unto Adam, "Who told you that you were naked? Have
you eaten of the tree whereof I told you that you should not eat, if so
you should surely die?" And the man said, "The woman whom you gave me,
and commanded that she should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit
of the tree, and I did eat."
15"And the Lord God said unto the woman, "What is this thing which you have
done?" And the woman said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."
16"And again, the Lord said unto the woman, "I will greatly multiply your
sorrow, and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children,
and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you."
17"And the Lord God said unto Adam, "Because you have hearkened unto the
voice of your wife, and have eaten of the fruit of the tree, of which I
commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed shall be the ground
for your sake; in sorrow
shalt you eat of it all the days of your life; thorns also and thistles
shall it bring forth to you; and you shalt eat the herb of the field; by
the sweat of your face shall you eat
bread, until you shall return unto the ground, for you shall surely die;
for out of it you were taken; for dust you were, and unto dust you shall
return." This was immediately followed by the fulfillment of what we previously
said: man was driven, or sent out of Eden.
18Two important items are shown from the former quotations. First, after
man was
created, he was not left without intelligence, or understanding, to wander
in darkness, and spend an existence in ignorance and doubt on the great
and important point which
effected his happiness, as to the real fact by whom he was created, or
unto whom he was amenable for his conduct. God conversed with him face
to face. In his presence he was permitted to stand, and from his own mouth
he was permitted to receive instruction-he heard his voice, walked before
him, and gazed upon his glory, while intelligence burst
upon his understanding, and enabled him to give names to the vast assemblage
of his Maker's works.
19Second, we have seen that though man did transgress, his transgression
did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was endowed,
relative to the existence and glory of his Creator; for no sooner did he
hear his voice, than he sought to hide himself
from his presence.
20Having shown then, in the first instance, that God began to converse with
man immediately after he "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,"
and that he did not cease to manifest himself to him even after his fall,
we shall next proceed to show that
though he was cast out from the garden of Eden, his knowledge of the existence
of God was not lost, neither did God cease to manifest his will unto him.
21We next proceed to present the account of the direct revelation which
man received, after he was cast out of Eden, and further copy from the
New Translation:
22After Adam had been driven out of the garden, he began to till the earth,
and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread
by the sweat of his brow, as I, the Lord had commanded him...and he called
upon the name of the Lord, and so did Eve his wife also. And they heard
the voice of the Lord, from the way
toward the garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not, for
they were shut out from his presence. But he gave unto them commandments,
that they should worship the Lord their God; and should offer the firstlings
of their flocks for an
offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandment.
23"And after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying,
"Why do you offer sacrifices unto the Lord?" And Adam said unto him, "I
know not, but the Lord commanded me to offer sacrifices."
24"And the angel said unto him, "This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice
of the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth; and
you shall do all that you do in the name of the Son. And you shall repent
and call upon God, in his name forever." In that day the Holy Ghost fell
upon Adam, and bore record of the Father and the Son.
25This last quotation, or summary, shows this important fact that though
our first parents were driven out of the garden of Eden, and were even
separated from the presence of God by a vail, they still retained a knowledge
of his existence, and that sufficiently to move them to call upon him.
And further, that no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to man
and he began to call upon God, than the Holy Spirit was given, bearing
record of the Father and Son.
26Moses also gives us an account, in the 4th
chapter of Genesis of the transgression of Cain, and the righteousness
of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them. He says:
In process of time Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering
unto the Lord. And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and
of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering.
But unto Cain and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew this,
and it pleased him. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
And the Lord said unto Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your countenance
fallen? If you do well will you not be accepted? And if you do not well,
sin lies at the door, and Satan desires to have you, and except you shall
hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver you up; and it shall be unto
you according to his desire."
27And Cain went into the field, and talked with his brother Abel. And while
they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew
him. And Cain
gloried in what he had done, saying, "I am free! Surely the flocks of
my brother will now fall in to my hands."
28And the Lord said unto Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?" And he said,
"I know not: am I my brother's keeper?" And the Lord said, "What have you
done? The voice of your brother's blood cries unto me from the ground.
And now, you shall be cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth
to receive your brother's blood, from
your hand. When you till the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto
you her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond also you shall be in the earth."
29And Cain said unto the Lord, "Satan tempted me, because of my brother's
flocks.
And I was also angry, for his offering was accepted, and mine was not.
My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me out
this day from the face of men, and from your face shall I be hid also;
and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come
to pass, every one that finds me will slay me, because of my oath, for
these things are not hid from the Lord." And the Lord said
unto him, "Therefore, whoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on
him sevenfold." And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should
kill him.
30The object of the foregoing quotations is to show to this class the way
by which mankind were first made acquainted with the existence of a God;
that it was by a manifestation of God to man, and that God continued, after
man's transgression, to manifest himself to him and his posterity; and
notwithstanding they were separated from his immediate
presence that they could not see his face, they continued to hear his
voice.
31Adam, thus being made acquainted with God, communicated the knowledge
which he had unto his posterity; and it was through this means that the
thought was first suggested to their minds that there was a God; which
laid the foundation for the exercise of their
faith, through which they could obtain a knowledge of his character and
also of his glory.
32Not only was there a manifestation made unto Adam of the existence of
a God, but Moses informs us, as before quoted, that God condescended to
talk with Cain after his
great transgression in slaying his brother, and that Cain knew that it
was the Lord that was talking with him; so that when he was driven out
from the presence of his brethren, he
carried with him the knowledge of the existence of a God. And through
this means, doubtless, his posterity became acquainted with the fact that
such a being existed.
33From this we can see that the whole human family in the early age of their
existence, in all their different branches, had this knowledge disseminated
among them; so that the
existence of God became an object of faith in the early age of the world.
And the
evidences which these men had of the existence of a God, was the testimony
of their fathers in the first instance.
34The reason why we have been thus particular on this part of our subject
is that this class may see by what means it was that God became an object
of faith among men after the
fall, and what it was that stirred up the faith of multitudes to feel
after him-to search after a knowledge of his character, perfections, and
attributes, until they became
extensively acquainted with him; and not only commune with him, and behold
his glory, but be partakers of his power, and stand in his presence.
35Let this class mark particularly that the testimony which these men had
of the existence of a God, was the testimony of man. For previous to the
time that any of Adam's posterity had obtained a manifestation of God to
themselves, Adam, their common father, had testified unto them of the existence
of God, and of his eternal power and Godhead.
36For instance, Abel, before he received the assurance from heaven that
his offerings were acceptable unto God, had received the important information
of his father that such a being did exist, who had created, and who did
uphold all things. Neither can there be a doubt existing on the mind of
any person, that Adam was the first who did communicate the knowledge of
the existence of a God to his posterity; and that the whole faith of the
world, from that time down to the present, is in a certain degree dependent
on the knowledge first communicated to them by their common progenitor.
And it has been handed down to the day and generation in which we live, as we shall show
from the face of the sacred records.
37First, Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born (Genesis 5:3). And the
days of Adam, after he had begotten Seth, were 800 years, making him 930
years old when he died (5:4- 5). Seth was 105 when Enos was born (5:6).
Enos was 90 when Cainan was born (5:9).
Cainan was 70 when Mahalaleel was born (5:12). Mahalaleel was 65 when
Jared was born (5:15). Jared was 162 when Enoch was born (5:18). Enoch
was 65 when Methuselah was born (5:21). Methuselah was 187 when Lamech
was born (5:25). Lamech was 182 when Noah was born (5:28).
38From this account it appears that Lamech, the 9th
from Adam, and the father of Noah, was 56 years old when Adam died; Methuselah,
243; Enoch, 308; Jared, 470; Mahalaleel, 535; Cainan, 605; Enos, 695; and
Seth, 800.
39So that Lamech (the father of Noah), Methuselah, Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel,
Cainan, Enos, Seth, and Adam, were all living at the same time, and beyond
all controversy were all preachers of righteousness.
40Moses further informs us that Seth lived after he begat Enos 807 years,
making him 912 years old at his death (Genesis 5:7-8). And Enos lived after
he begat Cainan 815 years, making him 905 years old when he died (5:10-11).
And Cainan lived after he begat
Mahalaleel 840 years, making him 910 years old at his death (5:13-14).
And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared 830 years, making him 895 years
old when he died (5: 16-17). And Jared lived after he begat Enoch 800 years,
making him 962 years old at his death (5:19-20). And Enoch walked with
God after he begat Methuselah 300 years, making
him
a
aJST Gen 7:78 has 430365 years old when he was translated (5:22-23). And Methuselah lived after
he begat Lamech 782 years, making him 969 years old when he died (5:26-27).
Lamech lived after he begat Noah 595 years, making him 777 years old when
he died (5:30-31).
41Agreeable to this account, Adam died in the 930th
year of the world; Enoch was
translated in the 987th
; Seth died in the 1042nd
; Enos in the 1140th
; Cainan in the 1235th
; Mahalaleel in the 1290th
; Jared in the 1422nd
; Lamech in the 1651st
; and Methuselah in the 1656th
-it being the same year in which the flood came.
42So Noah was 84 years old when Enos died, 176 when Cainan died, 234 when
Mahalaleel died, 366 when Jared died, 595 when Lamech died, and 600 when
Methuselah died.
43We can see from this that Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah,
Lamech, and Noah all lived on the earth at the same time; and that Enos,
Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared Methuselah, and Lamech, were all acquainted with
both Adam and Noah.
44From the foregoing it is easily to be seen, not only how the knowledge
of God came into the world, but upon what principle it was preserved; that
from the time it was first communicated, it was retained in the minds of
righteous men, who taught not only their own posterity, but the world;
so that there was no need of a new revelation to man after Adam's creation
to Noah, to give them the first idea or notion of the existence of a God;
and not only of a God, but of the true and living God.
45Having traced the chronology of the world from Adam to Noah, we will now
trace it from Noah to Abraham. Noah was 502 years old when Shem was born-98
years afterward the flood came, being the 600th
year of Noah's age. And Moses informs us that Noah lived after the flood
350 years; making him 950 years old when he died (Genesis 9:28-29).
46Shem was 100 years old when Arphaxad was born (Genesis 11:10). Arphaxad
was 35 when Salah was born (11:12). Salah was 30 when Eber was born (11:14).
Eber was 34
when Peleg was born, in whose days the earth was divided (11:16). Peleg
was 30 when Reu was born (11:18). Reu was 32 when Serug was born (11:20).
Serug was 30 when
Nahor was born (11:22). Nahor was 29 when Terah was born (11:24). Terah
was 70 when Haran and Abraham were born (11:26).
47There is some difficulty in the account given by Moses, of Abraham's birth.
Some have supposed that Abraham was not born until Terah was 130 years
old. This conclusion is
drawn from a variety of scriptures, which are not to our purpose at present
to quote. Neither is it a matter of any consequence to us, whether Abraham
was born when Terah was 70 years old, or 130. But in order that there may
no doubt exist upon any mind, in
relation to the object lying immediately before us in presenting the present
chronology, we will date the birth of Abraham at the latest period-that
is, when Terah was 130 years old. It appears from this account, that from
the flood to the birth of Abraham was 352 years.
48Moses informs us that Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad 500 years (Genesis
11:11).
This added to 100 years, which was his age when Arphaxad was born, makes
him 600 years old when he died. Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah 403
years (11:13). This added to 35 years, which was his age when Salah was
born, makes him 438 years old when he
died. Salah lived after he begat Eber 403 years (11:15). This added to
30 years, which was his age when Eber was born, makes him 433 years old
when he died. Eber lived after he begat Peleg 430 years (11:17). This added
to 34 years, which was his age when Peleg was born, makes him 464 years
old. Peleg lived after he begat Reu 209 years (11:19). This
added to 30 years, which was his age when Reu was born, makes him 239
years old when he died. Reu lived after he begat Serug 207 years (11:21).
This added to 32 years, which was his age when Serug was born, makes him
239 years old when he died. Serug lived after he begat Nahor 200 years
(11:23). This added to 30 years, which was his age when
Nahor was born, makes him 230 years old when he died. Nahor lived after
he begat Terah 119 years (11:25). This added to 29 years, which was his
age when Terah was born, makes him 148 years old when he died. Terah was
130 years old when Abraham was born, and is supposed to have lived 75 years
after his birth, making him 205 years old when he died.
49Agreeable to this last account, Peleg died in the 1996
th
year of the world, Nahor in the 1997
th, and Noah in the 2006
th.
So that Peleg, in whose days the earth was divided, and Nahor, the grandfather
of Abraham, both died before Noah-the former being 239 years old, and the
latter 148. And who cannot but see that they must have had a long and intimate
acquaintance with Noah?
50Reu died in the 2026
th
year of the world, Serug in the 2049
th, Terah in the 2083
rd,
Arphaxad in the 2096
th, Salah in the 2126
th, Shem in the 2158
th, Abraham in the 2183
rd, and Eber in the 2187
th,
which was four years after Abraham's death. And Eber was the fourth from Noah.
51Nahor, (Abraham's brother) was 58 years old when Noah died, Terah 128,
Serug 187, Reu 219, Eber 283, Salah 313, Arphaxad 344, and Shem 448.
52It appears from this account that Nahor (brother of Abraham), Terah, Nahor,
Serug, Reu, Peleg, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, Shem, and Noah, all lived on the earth
at the same time. And that Abraham was 18 years old when Reu died, 41 when
Serug and his brother Nahor died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when Arphaxad
died, 118 when Salah died, 150
when Shem died; and that Eber lived four years after Abraham's death;
and that Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor (the
brother of Abraham), and Abraham lived at the same time. And that Nahor
(brother of Abraham), Terah, Serug,
Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem, were all acquainted with both Noah
and Abraham.
53We have now traced the chronology of the world, agreeable to the account
given in our present BIBLE,
from Adam to Abraham, and have clearly determined beyond the power of
controversy, that there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of
God in the world from the creation of Adam, and the manifestation made
to his immediate descendants, as set forth in the former part of this lecture;
so that the students in this class need not have any dubiety resting on
their minds on this subject; for they can easily see that it is impossible
for it to be otherwise, but that the knowledge of the existence of a God
must have continued from father to son, as a matter of tradition, at least.
For we cannot suppose that a knowledge of this important fact could have
existed in the mind of any of the
before-mentioned individuals, without their having made it known to their
posterity.
54We have now shown how it was that the first thought ever existed in the
mind of any individual, that there was such a being as a God who had created
and did uphold all things; that it was by reason of the manifestation which
he first made to our father Adam, when he stood in his presence and conversed
with him face to face at the time of his
creation.
55Let us here observe that after any portion of the human family is made
acquainted with the important fact that there is a God who has created
and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respecting his
character and glory, will depend upon their
diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until like Enoch, the
Brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power
with him to behold him face to face.
56We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it was, that God became
an object of faith for rational beings; and also upon what foundation the
testimony was based, which excited the inquiry and diligent search of the
ancient saints to seek after and obtain a knowledge of the glory of God.
And we have seen that it was human testimony, and
human testimony only, that excited this inquiry in the first instance
in their minds. It was the credence they gave to the testimony of their
fathers-this testimony having aroused their minds to inquire after the
knowledge of God. The enquiry frequently terminated, indeed, always terminated
when rightly pursued, in the most glorious discoveries and eternal certainty.
QUESTIONS
1Is there a being who has faith in himself independently?
There is.
2Who is it?
It is God.
3How do you prove that God has faith in himself independently?
Because he is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning
of days or end of life, and in him all fullness dwells.
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all
in all.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness
dwell. (Lecture 2:2).
4Is he the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable
beings centers, for life and salvation?
He is.
5How do you prove it?
Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:
for I am God, and there is none else.
Romans 11:34-36 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been
his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed
unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things:
to whom be glory forever.Amen.
Isaiah 40:8-18 O Zion, that bringest good tidings [or, O thou that tellest
good tidings to Zion], get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem,
that bringest good tidings [or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem],
lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the
cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord your God will come with
strong hand [or, against the strong] and his arm shall rule for him: behold,
his reward is with him, and his work before him [or, recompense for his
work]. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather his lambs
with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are
with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and
meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth
in a measure, weighed the
mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the
Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor, hath taught him? With whom
took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of
judgment, and taught him
knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations
are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance:
behold, he taketh
up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to
burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations
are before him as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing,
and vanity.
Jeremiah 51:15-16 He [the Lord] hath made the earth by his power, he has
established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven
by his understanding. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude
of waters in the
heavens; and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth:
he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his
treasures.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom
are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all
things, and we by him. (Lecture 2:2)
6How did men first come to the knowledge of the existence of a God, so
as to exercise faith in him?
In order to answer this question, it will be necessary to go back and
examine man at his creation; the circumstances in which he was placed,
and the knowledge which he had of God. (Lecture 2:3-11).
First, when man was created he stood in the presence of God (Genesis 1:27-28).
From this we learn that man, at his creation, stood in the presence of
his God, and had most perfect knowledge of his existence.
Second, God conversed with him after his transgression. (Genesis 3:8-22;
Lecture 2:13-17) From this we learn that, though man did transgress, he
was not deprived of the previous knowledge which he had of the existence
of God. (Lecture 2:19)
Third, God conversed with man after he cast him out of the garden. (Lecture
2:22- 25).
Fourth, God also conversed with Cain after he had slain Abel. (Genesis
4:4-16; Lecture 2:26-29).
7What is the object of the foregoing quotation?
It is that it may be clearly seen how it was that the first thoughts were
suggested to the minds of men of the existence of God, and how extensively
this knowledge was spread among the immediate descendants of Adam (Lecture
2:30-33).
8What testimony had the immediate descendants of Adam in proof of the existence
of a God?
The testimony of their father. And after they were made acquainted with
his existence, by the testimony of their father, they were dependent upon
the exercise of their own faith for a knowledge of his character, perfections
and attributes (Lecture 2:23-26).
9Had any others of the human family, beside Adam, a knowledge of the existence
of God, in the first instance, by any other means than human testimony?
They had not. For previous to the time that they could have power to obtain
a manifestation for themselves, the all-important fact had been communicated
to them by their common father; and so from father to child the knowledge
was communicated as extensively as the knowledge of his existence was known;
for it was by this means, in the first instance, that men had a knowledge
of his existence (Lecture 2:35-36).
10How do you know that the knowledge of the existence of God was communicated
in this manner throughout the different ages of the world?
By the chronology obtained through the revelations of God.
11How would you divide that chronology in order to convey it to the understanding
clearly?
Into two parts: First, by embracing that period of the world from Adam
to Noah; and second, from Noah to Abraham; from which period the knowledge
of the existence of God has been so general that it is a matter of no dispute
in what manner the idea of his existence has been retained in the world.
12How many noted righteous men lived from Adam to Noah?
Nine, which includes Abel, who was slain by his brother.
13What are their names?
Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, and Lamech.
14How old was Adam when Seth was born?
One hundred and thirty years (Genesis 5:3).
15How many years did Adam live after Seth was born?
Eight hundred (Genesis 5:4).
16How old was Adam when he died?
Nine hundred and thirty years (Genesis 5:5).
17How old was Seth when Enos was born?
One hundred and five years (Genesis 5:6).
18How old was Enos when Cainan was born?
Ninety years (Genesis 5:9).
19How old was Cainan when Mahalaleel was born?
Seventy years (Genesis 5:12).
20How old was Mahalaleel when Jared was born?
Sixty-five years (Genesis 5:15).
21How old was Jared when Enoch was born?
One hundred and sixty-two years (Genesis 5:18).
22How old was Enoch when Methuselah was born?
Sixty-five (Genesis 5:21).
23How old was Methuselah when Lamech was born?
One hundred and eighty-seven years (Genesis 5:25).
24How old was Lamech when Noah was born?
One hundred and eighty-two years (Genesis 5:28; for this chronology see
Lecture 2:37).
25How many years, according to this account, was it from Adam to Noah?
One thousand and fifty-six years.
26How old was Lamech when Adam died?
Lamech, the ninth from Adam, (including Abel) and father of Noah, was fifty-six years old when Adam died.
27How old was Methuselah?
Two hundred and forty-three years.
28How old was Enoch?
Three hundred and eight years.
29How old was Jared?
Four hundred and seventy years.
30How old was Mahalaleel?
Five hundred and thirty-five.
31How old was Cainan?
Six hundred and five years.
32How old was Enos?
Six hundred and ninety-five years.
33How old was Seth?
Eight hundred (Lecture 2:38).
34How many of these noted men were contemporary with Adam?
Nine.
35What are their names?
Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, and Lamech (Lecture 2:39).
36How long did Seth live after Enos was born?
Eight hundred and seven years (Genesis 5:7).
37What was Seth's age when he died?
Nine hundred and twelve years (Genesis 5:8).
38How long did Enos live after Cainan was born?
Eight hundred and fifteen years (Genesis 5:10).
39What was Enos' age when he died?
Nine hundred and five years (Genesis 5:11).
40How long did Cainan live after Mahalaleel was born?
Eight hundred and forty years (Genesis 5:13).
41What was Cainan's age when he died?
Nine hundred and ten years (Genesis 5:14).
42How long did Mahalaleel live after Jared was born?
Eight hundred and thirty years (Genesis 5:16).
43What was Mahalaleel's age when he died?
Eight hundred and ninety-five years (Genesis 5:17).
44How long did Jared live after Enoch was born?
Eight hundred years (Genesis 5:19).
45What was Jared's age when he died?
Nine hundred and sixty-two years (Genesis 5:20).
46How long did Enoch walk with God after Methuselah was born?
Three hundred years (Genesis 5:22).
47What was Enoch's age when he was translated?
a
aJST Gen 7:78 has 430Three hundred and sixty-five years (Genesis 5:23).
48How long did Methuselah live after Lamech was born?
Seven hundred and eighty-two years (Genesis 5:26).
49What was Methuselah's age when he died?
Nine hundred and sixty-nine years (Genesis 5:27).
50How long did Lamech live after Noah was born?
Five hundred and ninety-five years (Genesis 5:30).
51What was Lamech's age when he died?
Seven hundred and seventy-seven years (Genesis 5:31; Lecture 2:40).
52In what year of the world did Adam die?
In the nine hundred and thirtieth.
53In what year was Enoch translated?
In the nine hundred and eighty-seventh.
54In what year did Seth die?
In the one thousand and forty-second.
55In what year did Enos die?
In the eleven hundred and fortieth.
56In what year did Cainan die?
In the twelve hundred and thirty-fifth.
57In what year did Mahalaleel die?
In the twelve hundred and ninetieth.
58In what year did Jared die?
In the fourteen hundred and twenty-second.
59In what year did Lamech die?
In the sixteen hundred and fifty-first.
60In what year did Methuselah die?
In the sixteen hundred and fifty-sixth. (Lecture 2:41).
61How old was Noah when Enos died?
Eighty-four years.
62
How old when Cainan died?
One hundred and seventy-nine years.
63
How old when Mahalaleel died?
Two hundred and thirty-four years.
64
How old when Jared died?
Three hundred and sixty-six years.
65
How old when Lamech died?
Five hundred and ninety-five years.
66
How old when Methuselah died?
Six hundred years (Lecture 2:42).
67
How many of those men lived in the days of Noah?
Six.
68What are their names?
Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech (Lecture 2:43).
69How many of those men were cotemporary with Adam and Noah both?
Six.
70What are their names?
Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech (Lecture 2:43).
71According to the foregoing account, how was the knowledge of the existence of God first suggested to the minds of men?
By manifestation made to our father, Adam, when he was in the presence of God, both before and while he was in Eden (Lecture 2:44).
72How was the knowledge of the existence of God disseminated among the inhabitants of the world?
By tradition from father to son (Lecture 2:44).
73How old was Noah when Shem was born?
a
a
JST Gen 7:85 has 492Five hundred and two years.
74What was the term of years from the birth of Shem to the flood?
Ninety-eight.
75What was the term of years that Noah lived after the flood?
Three hundred and fifty (Genesis 9:28).
76What was Noah's age when he died?
Nine hundred and fifty years (Genesis 9:29; Lecture 2:45).
77What was Shem's age when Arphaxad was born?
One hundred years (Genesis 11:10).
78What was Arphaxad's age when Salah was born?
Thirty-five years (Genesis 11:12).
79What was Salah's age when Eber was born?
Thirty (Genesis 11:14).
80What was Eber's age when Peleg was born?
Thirty-four years (Genesis 11:16).
81What was Peleg's age when Reu was born?
Thirty years (Genesis 11:18).
82What was Reu's age when Serug was born?
Thirty-two years (Genesis 11:20).
83What was Serug's age when Nahor was born?
Thirty years (Genesis 11:22).
84What was Nahor's age when Terah was born?
Twenty-nine (Genesis 11:24).
85What was Terah's age, when Nahor the brother of Abraham was born?
Seventy years (Genesis 11:26).
86What was Terah's age when Abraham was born?
Some suppose one hundred and thirty years, and others seventy (Genesis 12:4; 11:26; Lecture 2:46-47).
87What was the number of years from the flood to the birth of Abraham?
Supposing Abraham to have been born when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old, it was three hundred and fifty-two years; but if he was born when Terah was seventy years old, it was two hundred and ninety-two years (Lecture 2:47).
88How long did Shem live after Arphaxad was born?
Five hundred years (Genesis 11:11).
89What was Shem's age when he died?
Six hundred years (Genesis 11:11).
90What number of years did Arphaxad live after Salah was born?
Four hundred and three years (Genesis 11:13).
91What was Arphaxad's age when he died?
Four hundred and thirty-eight years.
92What number of years did Salah live after Eber was born?
Four hundred and three years (Genesis 11:15).
93What was Salah's age when he died?
Four hundred and thirty-three years.
94What number of years did Eber live after Peleg was born?
Four hundred and thirty years (Genesis 11:17).
95What was Eber's age when he died?
Four hundred and sixty-four years.
96What number of years did Peleg live after Reu was born?
Two hundred and nine years (Genesis 11:19).
97What was Peleg's age when he died?
Two hundred and thirty-nine years.
98What number of years did Reu live after Serug was born?
Two hundred and seven years (Genesis 11:21).
99What was Reu's age when he died?
Two hundred and thirty-nine years.
100What number of years did Serug live after Nahor was born?
Two hundred years (Genesis 11:23).
101What was Serug's age when he died?
Two hundred and thirty years.
102What number of years did Nahor live after Terah was born?
One hundred and nineteen years (Genesis 11:25).
103What was Nahor's age when he died?
One hundred and forty-eight years.
104What number of years did Terah live after Abraham was born?
Supposing Terah to have been one hundred and thirty years old when Abraham was born, he lived seventy-five years; but if Abraham was born when Terah was seventy years old, he lived one hundred and thirty-five.
105What was Terah's age when he died?
Two hundred and five years (Genesis 11:32; Lecture 2:48).
106In what year of the world did Peleg die?
Agreeable to the foregoing chronology, he died in the nineteen hundred and ninety-sixth year of the world.
107In what year of the world did Nahor die?
In the nineteen hundred and ninety-seventh.
108In what year of the world did Noah die?
In the two thousand and sixth.
109In what year of the world did Reu die?
In the two thousand and twenty-sixth.
110In what year of the world did Serug die?
In the two thousand and forty-ninth.
111In what year of the world did Terah die?
In the two thousand and eighty-third.
112In what year of the world did Arphaxad die?
In the two thousand and ninety-sixth.
113In what year of the world did Salah die?
In the twenty-one hundred and twenty-sixth.
114In what year of the world did Abraham die?
In the twenty-one hundred and eighty-third.
115In what year of the world did Eber die?
In the twenty-one hundred and eighty-seventh (Lecture 2:49-50).
116How old was Nahor (Abraham's brother), when Noah died?
Fifty-eight years.
117How old was Terah?
One hundred and twenty-eight.
118How old was Serug?
One hundred and eighty-seven.
119How old was Reu?
Two hundred and nineteen.
120How old was Eber?
Two hundred and eighty-three.
121How old was Salah?
Three hundred and thirteen.
122How old was Arphaxad?
Three hundred and forty-eight.
123How old was Shem?
Four hundred and forty-eight (Lecture 2:51).
124How old was Abraham when Reu died?
Eighteen years, if he were born when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old.
125What was his age when Serug and Nahor (Abraham's brother), died?
Forty-one years.
126What was his age when Terah died?
Seventy-five years.
127What was his age when Arphaxad died?
Eighty-eight.
128What was his age when Salah died?
One hundred and eighteen years.
129What was his age when Shem died?
One hundred and fifty years (Lecture 2:52).
130How many noted characters lived from Noah to Abraham?
Ten.
131What are their names?
Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Nahor (Abraham's brother) (Lecture 2:52).
132How many of these were cotemporary with Noah?
The whole.
133How many with Abraham?
Eight.
134What are their names?
Nahor (Abraham's brother), Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem (Lecture 2:52).
135How many were cotemporary with both Noah and Abraham?
Eight.
136What are their names?
Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor, (Abraham's brother) (Lecture 2:52).
137Did any of these men die before Noah?
They did.
138Who were they?
Peleg, in whose days the earth was divided, and Nahor, Abraham's grandfather (Lecture 2:49).
139Did any one of them live longer than Abraham?
There was one (Lecture 2:50).
140Who was he?
Eber, the fourth from Noah (Lecture 2:50).
141In whose days was the earth divided?
In the days of Peleg.
142Where have we the account given that the earth was divided in the days of Peleg?
Genesis 10:25.
143Can you repeat the sentence?
"Unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided."
144What testimony have men, in the first instance, that there is a God?
Human testimony, and human testimony only (Lecture 2:56).
145What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections, and attributes?
The credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers (Lecture 2:56).
146How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections, and attributes?
By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly, strengthening their faith in him, until like Enoch, the Brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves (Lecture 2:55).
147Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, until a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves?
It is.
148How do you prove it?
From the whole of the first lecture of the second section (Lecture 2:1-56).
LECTURE 3 - THE CHARACTER OF GOD
3
1In the second lecture it was shown how it was that the knowledge of the
existence of God came into the world, and by what means the first thoughts
were suggested to the minds of men that such a being did actually exist;
and that it was by reason of the knowledge of his existence that there
was a foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him, as the only being
in whom faith could center for life and salvation. For faith could
not center in a being of whose existence we had no idea, because the idea
of his existence in the first instance is essential to the exercise of
faith in him.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher?
(or one sent to tell them?). So then faith comes by hearing the word of
God.
2Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any
rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and
salvation:
3First, the idea that he actually exists.
4Second, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
5Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing,
is according to his will.
For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith
of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive, but with this
understanding, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness
unto the praise and glory of God the
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
6Having previously been made acquainted with the way the idea of his existence
came into the world, as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed
to examine his
character, perfections, and attributes in order that this class may see,
not only the just grounds which they have for the exercise of faith in
him for life and salvation, but the reasons that all the world also, as
far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to exercise faith in
him, the Father of all living.
7As we have been indebted to a revelation which God made of himself to
his creatures in the first instance, for the idea of his existence, so
in like manner we are indebted to the
revelations which he has given to us for a correct understanding of his
character,
perfections, and attributes; because without the revelations which he
has given to us, no man by searching could find out God (Job 11:7-9).
1 Corinthians 2:9-11 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear
heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God
has prepared for them that love him." But God has revealed them unto us
by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things
of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man
which is in him? even so the things of God no man knows, but by the Spirit
of God.
8Having said so much, we proceed to examine the character which the revelations
have given of God:
9Moses gives us the following account in Exodus 34:6: And the Lord passed
by before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful and
gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."
Psalm 103:6-8 The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that
are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children
of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous
in mercy.
Psalm 103:17-18 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments
to do them.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are
God.
Hebrews 1:10-12 And you, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation
of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands: they shall perish;
but you shall
remain; and they shall wax old as a garment; and as a vesture shall you
fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same, and your
years shall not fail.
James 1:17 Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and
comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob
are not consumed.
10D&C 3:2
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
2:1 For God does not walk in crooked paths; neither does he turn to the
right hand or the left, or vary from that which he has said; therefore his paths are strait and his course is one eternal round.
10D&C 35:1
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
37:1 Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same yesterday,
today and forever
11Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of
man, that he should repent.
1 John 4:8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive
that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears
God, and works
righteousness, is accepted with him."
12From the foregoing testimonies, we learn the following things respecting
the character of God:
13First, that he was God before the world was created, and the same God
that he was after it was created.
14Second, that he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness,
and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.
15Third, that he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but
that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday
today and forever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.
16Fourth, that he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
17Fifth, that he is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that
fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.
18Sixth, that he is love.
19An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character, is essentially
necessary, in order that the faith of any rational being can center in
him for life and salvation. For if he did not in the first instance believe
him to be God, that is, the creator and upholder of all things, he could
not center his faith in him for life and salvation; for fear there should
be a greater than he, who would thwart all his plans; and he, like the
gods of the heathen,
would be unable to fulfil his promises; but seeing he is God over all,
from everlasting to everlasting, the creator and upholder of all things,
no such fear can exist in the minds of those who put their trust in him,
so that in this respect their faith can be without wavering.
20But second, unless he was merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering,
and full of goodness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great
the frailties and
imperfections of men, that unless they believed that these excellencies
existed in the divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could
not exist; for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know
their weakness and liability to sin, would be in constant doubt of salvation,
if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of the
character of God, that he is slow to anger, and long-suffering, and of
a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression and sin.
21An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong.
But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is
a God who changes not, in order to have faith in him, as it is to have
the idea that he is gracious and long-suffering. For without the idea of
unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place
of faith. But with the idea that he changes not, faith lays hold upon the
excellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, believing he is
the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that his course is one eternal
round.
22And again, the idea that he is a God of truth and cannot lie, is equally
as necessary to the exercise of faith in him, as the idea of his unchangeableness.
For without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the
confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise
of faith in him could not exist. But having the idea that he is not man
that he can lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in
him.
23But it is also necessary that men should have an idea that he is no respecter
of persons. For with the idea of all the other excellencies in his character,
and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him, because if he
were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges
were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether
they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be confusion; but no
sooner are the minds of men made acquainted with the truth on this point
(that he is no respecter of persons), than they see that they have authority
by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the
richest boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, and that
every man in every nation has an equal privilege.
24And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is
the idea that he is love; for with all the other excellencies in his character,
without this one to influence them, they could not have such powerful dominion
over the minds of men; but when the idea is planted in the mind that he
is love, who cannot see the just ground that men of
every nation, kindred, and tongue, have to exercise faith in God so as
to obtain eternal life?
25From the above description of the character of the Deity which is given
by him in the
revelations to men, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith
in him among every people, nation, and kindred, from age to age, and from
generation to generation.
26Let us here observe that the foregoing is the character which is given
of God in his
revelations to the Former Day Saints, and it is also the character which
is given of him in his revelations to the Latter Day Saints, so that the
saints of former days and those of latter days are both alike in this respect;
the Latter Day Saints having as good grounds to
exercise faith in God as the Former Day Saints had, because the same character
is given of him to both.
QUESTIONS
1What was shown in the second lecture?
It was shown how the knowledge of the existence of God came into the world
(Lecture 3:1).
2What is the effect of the idea of his existence among men?
It lays the foundation for the exercise of faith in him (Lecture 3:1).
3Is the idea of his existence, in the first instance, necessary in order
for the exercise of faith in him?
It is (Lecture 3:1).
4How do you prove it?
By the 10th
chapter to Romans and 14th
verse (Lecture 3:1).
5How many things are necessary for us to understand, respecting the Deity
and our relation to him, in order that we may exercise faith in him for
life and salvation?
Three (Lecture 3:2).
6What are they?
First, that God does actually exist; second, correct ideas of his character,
his perfections, and attributes; and third, that the course which we pursue
is according to his mind and will (Lecture 3:3-5).
7Would the idea of any one or two of the above-mentioned things, enable
a person to exercise faith in God?
It would not, for without the idea of them all, faith would be imperfect
and unproductive (Lecture 3:5).
8Would an idea of these three things lay a sure foundation for the exercise
of faith in God, so as to obtain life and salvation?
It would; for by the idea of these three things, faith could become perfect
and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God
(Lecture 3:5).
9How are we to be made acquainted with the beforementioned things respecting
the Deity, and respecting ourselves?
By revelation (Lecture 3:6).
10Could these things be found out by any other means than by revelation?
They could not.
11How do you prove it?
By the Scriptures: Job 11:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 (Lecture 3:7).
12What things do we learn in the revelations of God respecting his character?
We learn the six following things: First, that he was God before the world
was created, and the same God that he was after it was created. Second,
that he is merciful and
gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from
everlasting, and
will be so to everlasting. Third, that he changes not, neither is there
variableness with him, and that his course is one eternal round. Fourth,
that he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
Fifth, that he is no respecter of persons; and sixth, that he is love
(Lecture 3:12-18).
13Where do you find the revelations which give us this idea of the character
of the Deity?
In the BIBLE and
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
and they are quoted in the third lecture (Lecture 3:9-11).
14What effect would it have on any rational being not to have an idea that
the Lord was God, the creator and upholder of all things?
It would prevent him from exercising faith in him unto life and salvation.
15Why would it prevent him from exercising faith in God?
Because he would be as the heathen, not knowing but there might be a being
greater and more powerful than he; and thereby he be prevented from fulfilling
His promises (Lecture 3:19).
16Does this idea prevent this doubt?
It does; for persons having this idea are enabled thereby to exercise
faith without this doubt (Lecture 3:19).
17Is it not also necessary to have the idea that God is merciful and gracious,
long-suffering and full of goodness?
It is (Lecture 3:20).
18Why is it necessary?
Because of the weakness and imperfections of human nature, and the great
frailties of man; for such is the weakness of man, and such his frailties,
that he is liable to sin continually, and if God were not long-suffering
and full of compassion, gracious and merciful, and of a forgiving disposition,
man would be cut off from before him; in consequence of which he would
be in continual doubt and could not exercise faith; for where doubt is,
there faith has no power; but by man's believing that God is full of compassion
and forgiveness, longsuffering and slow to anger, he can exercise faith
in him and overcome doubt, so as to be exceedingly strong (Lecture 3:20).
19Is it not equally as necessary that man should have an idea that God changes
not, neither is there variableness with him, in order to exercise faith
in him unto life and salvation?
It is; because without this, he would not know how soon the mercy of God
might change into cruelty, his long-suffering into rashness, his love into
hatred, and in consequence of which doubt man would be incapable of exercising
faith in him; but having the idea that he is unchangeable, man can have
faith in him continually, believing that what he was
yesterday, he is today, and will be forever (Lecture 3:21).
20It is not necessary also, for men to have an idea that God is a being
of truth, before they can have perfect faith in him?
It is; for unless men have this idea they cannot place confidence in his
word, and not being able to place confidence in his word, they could not
have faith in him; but believing that he is a God of truth, and that his
word cannot fail, then faith can rest in him without doubt (Lecture 3:22).
21Could man exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life unless he
believed that God was no respecter of persons?
He could not; because without this idea he could not certainly know that
it was his privilege so to do, and in consequence of this doubt his faith
could not be sufficiently strong to save him (Lecture 3:23).
22Would it be possible for a man to exercise faith in God, so as to be saved,
unless he had an idea that God was love?
He could not; because man could not love God unless he had an idea that
God was love, and if he did not love God, he could not have faith in him
(Lecture 3:24).
23What is the description which the sacred writers give of the character
of the Deity calculated to do?
It is calculated to lay a foundation for the exercise of faith in him,
as far as the knowledge extends among all people, tongues, languages, kindreds,
and nations-and that from age to age, and from generation to generation
(Lecture 3:25).
24Is the character which God has given of himself uniform?
It is; in all his revelations whether to the Former Day Saints, or to
the Latter Day Saints, so that they all have the authority to exercise
faith in him, and to expect by the exercise of their faith to enjoy the
same blessings (Lecture 3:26).
LECTURE 4 - THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
4
1Having shown in the third lecture, that correct ideas of the character
of God are necessary in order to the exercise of faith in him unto life
and salvation, and that without correct
ideas of his character, the minds of men could not have sufficient power
with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal
life, and that correct ideas of his
character lay a foundation as far as his character is concerned for the
exercise of faith, so as to enjoy the fulness of the blessing of the gospel
of Jesus Christ, even that of eternal glory; we shall now proceed to show
the connection there is between correct ideas of the
attributes of God, and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life.
2Let us here observe that the real design which the God of heaven had in
view in making the human family acquainted with his attributes, was that
they through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be enabled
to exercise faith in him, and through the
exercise of faith in him, might obtain eternal life. For without the idea
of the existence of the attributes which belong to God, the minds of men
could not have power to exercise
faith on him so as to lay hold upon eternal life. The God of heaven understanding
most perfectly the constitution of human nature, and the weakness of man,
knew what was necessary to be revealed, and what ideas must be planted
in their minds in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in
him unto eternal life.
3Having said so much, we shall proceed to examine the attributes of God,
as set forth in his revelations to the human family, and to show how necessary
correct ideas of his
attributes are, to enable men to exercise faith in him. For without these
ideas being
planted in the minds of men, it would be out of the power of any person
or persons to
exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine
communications made to man in the first instance, were designed to establish
in their minds the ideas necessary to enable them to exercise faith in
God, and through this means to be partakers of his glory.
4We have in the revelations which he has given to the human family, the
following account of his attributes:
5First-Knowledge:
Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
world.
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there
is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient time the things that are not yet done,
saying, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
6Second-Faith, or power:
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Isaiah 14:24, 27 The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely as I have
thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it
stand." For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who shall disannul it?
And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
7Third-Justice:
Psalm 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne.
Isaiah 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel
together: who has declared this from the ancient time? Have not I the Lord?
And there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior.
Zephaniah 3:5 The just Lord is in the midst thereof.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of
Jerusalem: behold, thy King comes unto thee: he is just, and having salvation.
8Fourth-Judgment:
Psalm 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne.
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways
are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Psalm 9:7 But the Lord shall endure forever: he has prepared his throne
for judgment.
Psalm 9:16 The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes.
9Fifth-Mercy:
Psalm 89:14 Mercy and truth shall go before his face.
Exodus 34:6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord,
the Lord God, merciful and gracious.
Nehemiah 9:17 But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful.
10And Sixth-Truth:
Psalm 89:14 Mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Exodus 34:6 Long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways
are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Psalm 31:5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O
Lord God of truth.
11By a little reflection it will be seen that the idea of the existence
of these attributes in the Deity is necessary to enable any rational being
to exercise faith in him. For without the
idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, men could not
exercise faith in him for life and salvation; seeing that without the knowledge
of all things, God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures;
for it is by reason of the knowledge which he has of all things, from the
beginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his
creatures, by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it
were not for the
idea existing in the minds of men that God had all knowledge, it would
be impossible for them to exercise faith in him.
12And it is not less necessary that men should have the idea of the existence
of the attribute power in the Deity. For unless God had power over all
things, and was able by his power to control all things, and thereby deliver
his creatures who put their trust in him from the power of all beings that
might seek their destruction, whether in heaven, on earth, or in hell,
men could not be saved; but with the idea of the existence of this attribute
planted in the mind, men feel as though they had nothing to fear who put
their trust in God,
believing that he has power to save all who come to him, to the very uttermost.
13It is also necessary in order to the exercise of faith in God, unto life
and salvation, that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute
justice in him. For without the idea of the existence of the attribute
justice in the Deity, men could not have confidence sufficiently to place
themselves under his guidance and direction; for they would be filled
with fear and doubt, lest the Judge of all the earth would not do right;
and thus fear, or doubt, existing in the mind, would preclude the possibility
of the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. But when the idea
of the existence of the attribute justice in the
Deity, is fairly planted in the mind, it leaves no room for doubt to get
into the heart, and the mind is enabled to cast itself upon the Almighty
without fear and without doubt, and with most unshaken confidence, believing
that the Judge of all the earth will do right.
14It is also of equal importance that men should have the idea of the existence
of the attribute judgment in God, in order that they may exercise faith
in him for life and
salvation; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute in
the Deity, it would be impossible for men to exercise faith in him for
life and salvation, seeing that it is through the exercise of this attribute
that the faithful in Christ Jesus are delivered out of the hands of those
who seek their destruction; for if God were not to come out in swift judgment
against the workers of iniquity and the powers of darkness, his saints
could not be saved; for it is by judgment that the Lord delivers his saints
out of the hands of all their enemies, and those who reject the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ. But no sooner is the idea of the existence of
this attribute planted in the minds of men, than it gives power to the
mind for the exercise of faith and confidence in God. And they are enabled
by faith to lay hold on the promises which are set before them, and wade
through all the tribulations and
afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from
those who know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ;
believing that in due time the Lord will come out in swift judgment against
their enemies, and they shall be cut off from before him, and that in his
own due time he will bear them off conquerors and more than conquerors
in all things.
15And again it is equally important that men should have the idea of the
existence of the attribute mercy in the Deity, in order to exercise faith
in him for life and salvation. For without the idea of the existence of
this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of the saints would faint in the
midst of the tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions which they have
to endure for righteousness' sake; but when the idea of the existence of
this attribute is once established in the mind, it gives life and energy
to the spirits of the saints; believing that the mercy of God will be poured
out upon them in the midst of their afflictions, and that he will compassionate
them in their sufferings, and that the mercy of God will lay hold of them
and secure them in the arms of his love, so that they will receive a full
reward for all their sufferings.
16And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is
the idea of the existence of the attribute truth in him. For without the
idea of the existence of this
attribute, the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest
with certainty. All would be confusion and doubt, but with the idea of
the existence of this attribute in the Deity in the mind, all the teachings,
instructions, promises, and blessings become
realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with certainty
and confidence. Believing that these things, and all that the Lord has
said, shall be fulfilled in their time;
and that all the cursings, denunciations, and judgments pronounced upon
the heads of the unrighteous will also be executed in the due time of the
Lord; and by reason of the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds
its deliverance and salvation as being certain.
17Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the
existence of the before-mentioned attributes in the Deity, and it will
be seen that as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation
laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and
salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute knowledge, he can
make all things known to his saints necessary for their salvation; and
as he possesses the attribute power he is able thereby to deliver them
from the power of all enemies; and seeing also, that justice
is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with them upon the principles
of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be granted unto them
for all their afflictions and
sufferings for the truth's sake. And as judgment is an attribute of the
Deity also, his saints can have the most unshaken confidence that they
will, in due time, obtain a perfect
deliverance out of the hands of all their enemies, and a complete victory
over all those
who have sought their hurt and destruction. And as mercy is also an attribute
of the Deity, his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised
toward them; and through the
exercise of that attribute toward them, comfort and consolation will be
administered unto them abundantly, amid all their afflictions and tribulations.
And lastly, realizing that truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind
is led to rejoice amid all its trials and temptations, in hope of that
glory which is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and in
view of that crown which is to be placed upon the heads of the saints in
the day when the Lord shall distribute rewards unto them, and in prospect
of that eternal weight of glory, which the Lord has promised to bestow
upon them, when he shall bring them into the midst of his throne to dwell
in his presence eternally.
18In view, then, of the existence of these attributes, the faith of the
saints can become
exceedingly strong, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory
of God, and can exert its mighty influence in searching after wisdom and
understanding, until it has obtained a knowledge of all things that pertain
to life and salvation.
19Such then is the foundation which is laid through the revelation of the
attributes of God for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation;
and seeing that these are attributes of the Deity, they are unchangeable-being
the same yesterday, today and forever-which gives to the minds of the Latter
Day Saints the same power and authority to exercise faith in God which
the Former Day Saints had. So that all the saints in this respect have
been, are, and will be alike until the end of time; for God never changes,
therefore his attributes and character remain forever the same. And as
it is through the revelation of these that a foundation is laid for the
exercise of faith in God unto life and salvation. The foundation, therefore,
for the exercise of faith was, is, and ever will be the same. So that all
men have had, and will have, an equal privilege.
QUESTIONS
1What was shown in the third lecture?
It was shown that correct ideas of the character of God are necessary
in order to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation; and that without
correct ideas of his character, men
could not have power to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation,
but that correct ideas of his character, as far as his character is concerned
in the exercise of faith in him, lay a
sure foundation for the exercise of it (Lecture 4:1).
2What object had the God of heaven in revealing his attributes to men?
That through an acquaintance with his attributes they might be enabled
to exercise faith in him so as to obtain eternal life (Lecture 4:2).
3Could men exercise faith in God without an acquaintance with his attributes,
so as to be enabled to lay hold of eternal life?
They could not (Lecture 4:2-3).
4What account is given of the attributes of God in his revelations?
First, knowledge; second, faith or power; third, justice; fourth, judgment;
fifth, mercy; and sixth truth (Lecture 4:4-10).
5Where are the revelations to be found which give this relation of the
attributes of God?
In the Old and New Testaments, and they are quoted in the 4th,
5th,
6th,
7th,
8th,
9th,
and 10thparagraphs.*
6Is the idea of the existence of those attributes, in the Deity, necessary
in order to enable any rational being to exercise faith in him unto life
and salvation?
It is.
7How do you prove it?
By the 11th,
12th,
13th,
14th,
15th
and 16th
paragraphs in this lecture.*
8Does the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, as far
as his attributes are concerned, enable a rational being to exercise faith
in him unto life and salvation?
It does.
9How do you prove it?
By the 17th
and 18th
paragraphs.*
10Have the Latter Day Saints as much authority given them through the revelation
of the attributes of God, to exercise faith in him, as the Former Day Saints
had?
They have.
11How do you prove it?
By the 19th
paragraph of this lecture.*
Note: Let the student turn and commit those [*] paragraphs to memory.
LECTURE 5 - THE GODHEAD
5
1In our former lectures we treated of the being, character, perfections,
and attributes of God. What we mean by perfections is, the perfections
which belong to all the attributes of his nature. We shall in this lecture
speak of the Godhead; we mean the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing,
and supreme power over all things-by whom all things were created and made
that are created and made, whether visible or invisible; whether in heaven,
on earth, or in the earth, under the earth, or throughout the immensity
of space. They are the Father and the Son: The Father being a personage
of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfection and fulness. The
Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, a personage of tabernacle, made
or fashioned
like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man-or rather, man
was formed after his likeness and in his image. He is also the express
image and likeness of the personage of the Father, possessing all the fulness
of the Father, or the same fulness with the Father, being begotten of him;
and was ordained from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation
for the sins of all those who should believe on his name; and is called
the Son because of the flesh-and descended in suffering below that which
man can suffer, or in other words, suffered greater sufferings, and was
exposed to more powerful contradictions than any man can be. But notwithstanding
all this, he kept the law of God and remained without sin; showing thereby
that it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain also without
sin. And also, that by him a righteous judgment might come upon all flesh,
and that all who walk not in the law of God, may justly be condemned by
the law, and have no excuse for their sins. And he being the Only Begotten
of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a
fulness of the glory of the Father-possessing the same mind with the Father;
which Mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the
Father and the Son; and these three are one, or in other words, these
three constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over
all things; by whom all things were created and made, that were created
and made: and these three constitute the Godhead and are one: the Father
and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, and
fulness; filling all in all-the Son being filled with the fulness of the
Mind, glory, and power; or in other words the Spirit, glory, and power
of the Father-possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom;
sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of
the Father-a Mediator for man-being filled with the
fulness of the Mind of the Father, or in other words, the Spirit of the
Father; which Spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and
keep his commandments; and all those who keep his commandments shall grow
up from grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint
heirs with Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, being
transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of
him who fills all in all; being filled with the fulness of his glory, and
become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one.
3From the foregoing account of the Godhead, which is given in his revelations,
the saints have a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto life
and salvation, through the atonement and mediation of Jesus Christ, by
whose blood they have a forgiveness of sins, and also a sure reward laid
up for them in heaven-even that of partaking of the fulness of the Father
and the Son, through the Spirit. As the Son partakes of the fulness of
the Father through the Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to
be partakers of the same fulness, to enjoy the same glory; for as the Father
and the Son are one, so in like manner the saints
are to be one in them through the love of the Father, the mediation of
Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit; they are to be heirs of
God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS
1Of what do the foregoing lectures treat?
Of the being, perfections, and attributes of the Deity (Lecture 5:1).
2What are we to understand by the perfections of the Deity?
The perfections which belong to his attributes.
3How many personages are there in the Godhead?
Two: the Father and the Son (Lecture 5:1).
4How do you prove that there are two personages in the Godhead?
By the Scriptures:
Genesis 1:26 (Also Lecture 2:6) And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten,
who was with him from the beginning, "Let us make man in our image, after
our likeness;" and it was done.
Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, "Behold, the
man is become as one of us, to know good and evil."
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with
the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (Lecture 5:2).
5What is the Father?
He is a personage of glory and power (Lecture 5:2).
6How do you prove that the Father is a personage of glory and of power?
First, of glory:
Isaiah 60:19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness
shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an
everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and
the glory.
Psalms 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God
of glory thunders.
Psalms 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the
glory of thy name.
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image
made like to corruptible men.
Second, of power:
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the
glory.
Jeremiah 32:17 Ah! Lord God! behold thou hast made the earth and heavens
by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard
for thee.
Deuteronomy 4:37 And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose
their seed after them, and brought them out in his sight with his mighty
power.
Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power.
Job 26, commencing with the 7th
verse, to the end of the chapter: He stretches out the north over the
empty place, and hangs the earth upon nothing. He binds up the waters in
his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holds back the
face of his throne, and spreads his cloud upon it. He has compassed the
waters with bounds, until
the day and night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble and are
astonished at his reproof. He divides the sea with his power, and by his
understanding he smites through the proud. By his Spirit he has garnished
the heavens; his hand has formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts
of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder
of his power who can understand?
7What is the Son?
First, he is a personage of tabernacle (Lecture 5:2).
8How do you prove it?
John 14:9-11 Jesus says unto him, "Have I been so long time with you,
and yet have you not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the
Father; and how do you say then, 'Show us the Father?' Do you not believe
that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto
you, I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the
works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me."
Secondly, and being a personage of tabernacle, was made or fashioned like
unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man (Lecture 5:2).
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of man: and being found in fashion
as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh
and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.
Hebrews 2:16 For verily he
took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Thirdly, he is also in the likeness of the personage of the Father (Lecture
5:2).
Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in
time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken
unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also
he made the worlds; who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express
image of his person.
Again, Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal
with God.
9Was it by the Father and the Son that all things were created and made,
that were created and made?
It was.
Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of every
creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and
that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before
all things, and by him all things consist.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Hebrews 1:2 [God] has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom
he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.
10Does he possess the fullness of the Father?
He does.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all
fulness dwell.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his [Christ's] body, the fulness of him that fills
all in all.
11Why was he called the Son?
Because of the flesh.
Luke 1:35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called
the Son of God.
Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he [John] saw
the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo
a voice from heaven, saying,
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
12Was he ordained of the Father, from before the foundation of the world,
to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his
name?
He was.
1 Peter 1:18-20 As much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition
from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was manifested in these last times for you.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [the
beast], whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world.
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
hidden mystery, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.
13Do the Father and the Son possess the same mind?
They do.
John 5:30 I [Christ] can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge:
and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the
Father who sent me.
John 6:38 For I [Christ] came down from heaven, not to do my own will,
but the will of him that sent me.
John 10:30 I [Christ] and my Father are one.
14What is this mind?
The Holy Spirit.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from
the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall
testify of me [Christ].
Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit
of his Son into your hearts.
15Do the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constitute the Godhead?
They do (Lecture 5:2). Let the student commit this paragraph to memory.
16Does the believer in Christ Jesus, through the gift of the Spirit, become
one with the Father and the Son, as the Father and the Son are one?
They do.
John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these [the apostles] alone, but for them
also who shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one;
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in
us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
17Does the foregoing account of the Godhead lay a sure foundation for the
exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation?
It does.
18How do you prove it?
By the third paragraph of this lecture. Let the student commit this also.
LECTURE 6 - THE LAW OF SACRIFICE
6
1Having treated in the preceding lectures of the ideas of the character,
perfections, and attributes of God, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge
which persons must have
that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of
God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life
and salvation.
2This knowledge supplies an important place in revealed religion; for it
was by reason of it that the ancients were enabled to endure as seeing
him who is invisible. An actual
knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according
to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that
confidence in God, without
which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the
ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to
take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely)
that they had a more "enduring substance" (Hebrews 10:34).
3Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable
to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of
their goods and the wasting of their substance joyfully, but also to suffer
death in its most horrid forms; knowing (not merely believing) that when
this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building
of God, a house "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians
5:1).
4Such was, and always will be, the situation of the saints of God, that
unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing
is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and
faint; for such has been, and always will be, the opposition in the hearts
of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated
religion of heaven (the only thing which ensures eternal life), that they
will persecute to the uttermost all that worship God according to his revelations,
receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided
and directed by his will, and
drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge
of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced that
order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will
enable them to exercise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome
the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that
fear God.
5For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor
and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers
and sisters, his wife and
children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and
dross for the
excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief
or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge;
realizing that when these
sufferings are ended he will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker
of the glory of God.
6For unless a person does know that he is walking according to the will
of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator were
he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done
with the things of this life. But when he has this knowledge, and most
assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be
equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.
7Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice
of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary
unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith
necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained
without the sacrifice of all earthly things; it was through this sacrifice,
and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life;
and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that
men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing
in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has
for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before
God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to
do his will, he does know most assuredly that God does and will accept
his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face
in vain. Under these circumstances then, he can obtain the faith necessary
for him to lay hold on eternal life.
8It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with
those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice,
and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain
eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice,
and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are
accepted of him.
9It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first martyr, obtained knowledge
that he was accepted of God. And from the days of righteous Abel to the
present time, the knowledge that men have that they are accepted in the
sight of God, is obtained by offering sacrifice. And in the last days,
before the Lord comes, he is to gather together his saints who have made
a covenant with him by sacrifice. Psalm 50:3-5 "Our God shall come, and
shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be
very tempestuous round about
him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he
may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have
made a covenant unto me by sacrifice."
10Those then who make the sacrifice will have the testimony that their course
is pleasing in the sight of God, and those who have this testimony will
have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled through faith
to endure unto the end, and receive the
crown that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our Lord Jesus
Christ. But those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith,
because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith;
therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, because the revelations
of God do not guarantee unto them the authority so to do; and
without this guarantee faith could not exist.
11All the saints of whom we have account in all the revelations of God which
are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in
his sight, through the
sacrifice which they offered unto him. And through the knowledge thus
obtained, their
faith became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise of eternal
life, and to endure as seeing him who is invisible; and were enabled, through
faith, to combat the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of the
adversary, overcome the world, and obtain the end of their faith, even
the salvation of their souls.
12But those who have not made this sacrifice to God, do not know that the
course which they pursue is well pleasing in his sight; for whatever may
be their belief or their opinion, it is a matter of doubt and uncertainty
in their mind; and where doubt and uncertainty is, there faith is not,
nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the
same time. So that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot
have unshaken confidence; and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith
is weak; and where faith is weak, the persons will not be able to contend
against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions which they will
have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ
Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will
have power over them and destroy them.
Note: This lecture is so plain, and the facts set forth so self-evident,
that it is deemed unnecessary to form a catechism upon it. The student
is therefore instructed to commit the whole to memory.
LECTURE 7 - THE EFFECTS OF FAITH
7
1In the preceding lectures, we treated of what faith was, and of the object
on which it rested. Agreeable to our plan we now proceed to speak of its
effects.
2As we have seen in our former lectures that faith was the principle of
action and of power in all intelligent beings, both in heaven and on earth,
it will not be expected that we will in a lecture of this description attempt
to unfold all its effects; neither is it necessary to our purpose so to
do; for it would embrace all things in heaven and on earth, and encompass
all the creations of God, with all their endless varieties. For no world
has yet been framed that was not framed by faith; neither has there been
an intelligent being on any of God's creations who did not get there by
reason of faith, as it existed in himself or in some other
being; nor has there been a change or a revolution in any of the creations
of God but it has been effected by faith. Neither will there be a change
or a revolution unless it is effected in the same way in any of the vast
creations of the Almighty; for it is by faith that the Deity works.
3Let us here offer some explanation in relation to faith that our meaning
may be clearly comprehended. We ask then, what are we to understand by
a man's working by faith? We answer, We understand that when a man works
by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by
words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works
when he works by faith. God said, "Let there be light: and there was
light". Joshua spake, and the great lights which God had created stood
still. Elijah commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space of three
years and six months, so that it did not rain. He again commanded, and
the heavens gave forth rain. All this was done by faith, and the Savior
says, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain,
"Remove," and it will remove; or say to this sycamore tree, "Be ye plucked
up and planted in the midst of the sea;" and it shall obey you. Faith then
works by words, and with these its mightiest works have been, and will
be, performed.
4It surely will not be required of us to prove that this is the principle
upon which all
eternity has acted and will act; for every reflecting mind must know that
it is by reason of this power that all the hosts of heaven perform their
works of wonder, majesty, and glory. Angels move from place to place by
virtue of this power-it is by reason of it that they are enabled to descend
from heaven to earth; and were it not for the power of faith, they
never could be ministering spirits to them who should be heirs of salvation,
neither could they act as heavenly messengers; for they would be destitute
of the power necessary to enable them to do the will of God.
5It is only necessary for us to say that the whole visible creation, as
it now exists, is the effect of faith. It was faith by which it was framed,
and it is by the power of faith that it continues in its organized form,
and by which the planets move round their orbits and sparkle forth their
glory. So then faith is truly the first principle in the science of
Theology, and when understood, leads the mind back to the beginning and
carries it forward to the end; or in other words, from eternity to eternity.
6As faith then is the principle by which the heavenly hosts perform their
works, and by
which they enjoy all their felicity, we might expect to find it set forth
in a revelation from God as the principle upon which his creatures here
below must act, in order to obtain the felicities enjoyed by the saints
in the eternal world; and that when God would undertake to raise up men
for the enjoyment of himself, he would teach them the necessity of living
by faith; and the impossibility there was of their enjoying the blessedness
of eternity without it, seeing that all the blessings of eternity are the
effects of faith.
7Therefore it is said, and appropriately too, that without faith it is
impossible to please God. If it should be asked, Why is it impossible to
please God without faith? the answer would be because without faith it
is impossible for men to be saved; and as God desires the salvation of
man, he must of course desire that they should have faith, and he could
not be pleased unless they had, or else he could be pleased with their
destruction.
8From this we learn that the many exhortations which have been given by
inspired men to those who had received the word of the Lord, to have faith
in him, were not mere common-place matters, but were for the best of all
reasons; and that was because without it there was no salvation, neither
in this world nor in that which is to come. When men begin to live by faith,
they begin to draw near to God; and when faith is perfected, they
are like him; and because he is saved they are saved also; for they will
be in the same
situation he is in, because they have come to him; and when he appears
they shall be like him, for they will see him as he is.
Salvation
9As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so is salvation also.
(We mean salvation in its most extensive latitude of interpretation, whether
it is temporal or spiritual.) In order to have this subject clearly set
before the mind, let us ask what situation must a person be in, in order
to be saved? Or what is the difference between a saved man and one who
is not saved? We answer from what we have before seen of the heavenly worlds:
they must be persons who can work by faith, and who are able by faith,
to be ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of salvation. And
they must have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the Lord,
otherwise they cannot be saved. And what constitutes the real
difference between a saved person and one not saved, is the difference
in the degree of their faith. One's faith has become perfect enough to
lay hold upon eternal life, and the other's has not. But to be a little
more particular let us ask, where shall we find a prototype into whose
likeness we may be assimilated, in order that we may be made
partakers of life and salvation? Or in other words, where shall we find
a saved being? For if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain without
much difficulty, what all others must be in order to be saved. They must
be like that individual or they cannot be saved. We think that it will
not be a matter of dispute, that two beings who are unlike each other cannot
both be saved; for whatever constitutes the salvation of one, will constitute
the salvation of every creature which will be saved. And if we find one
saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be, or else
not be saved. We ask then, where is the prototype? Or where is the saved
being? We conclude as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute
among those who believe the BIBLE, that it is Christ.
All will agree in this that he is the prototype or standard of salvation, or in
other words that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interrogation,
and ask how it is that he is
saved, the answer would be because he is a just and holy being; and if
he were anything different from what he is, he would not be saved; for
his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else;
for if it were possible for him to change in the least
degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion,
power, authority, and glory-which constitutes salvation; for salvation
consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power, and dominion which Jehovah
possesses, and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself
or one like him. Thus says John in his first epistle, 3:2-3 "Behold, now
we are the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see
him as he is. And any man that
has this hope in him, purifies himself, even as he is pure." Why purify
himself as he is pure? Because, if they do not, they cannot be like him.
10The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus 19:2 "Speak unto all the congregation
of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord
your God am holy." And Peter says, first epistle 1:15-16 "But as he who
has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because
it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." And the
Savior says, Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father
who is in heaven is perfect." If any should ask, Why all these sayings?
the answer is to be found from what is before quoted from John's epistle,
that when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him. And
if they are not holy, as he is holy, and perfect as he is perfect, they
cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy his glory without possessing
his perfections and
holiness, no more than they could reign in his kingdom without his power.
11This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Savior's saying, recorded
in John's testimony, 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth
on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these;
because I go unto the Father." This taken in connection with some of the
sayings in the Savior's prayer, recorded in the 17th
chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions. He says, in John 17:20-24
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe on
me through their words; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art
in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have
given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou
in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know
that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father,
I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am;
that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst
me before the foundation of the world."
12All these sayings put together, give as clear an account of the state
of the glorified saints as language could give. The works that Jesus had
done they were to do, and greater works than those which he had done among
them should they do, and that because he went to the Father. He does not
say that they should do these works in time; but they should do greater
works because he went to the Father. He says in the 24th
verse: "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with
me where I am; that they may behold my glory." These sayings taken in connection,
make it very plain that the greater works,
which those that believed on his name were to do, were to be done in eternity,
where he is going and where they should behold his glory. He had said in
another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father that those who
believed on him should be one in him, as he and the Father were one in
each other. "Neither pray I for these [the apostles] alone, but for them
also who shall believe on me through their words: that they all may be
one." That is, they who believe on him through the apostles' words, as well
as the apostles themselves, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father,
art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."
13What language can be plainer than this? The Savior surely intended to
be understood by his disciples. And he so spake that they might understand
him, for he declares to his Father in language not to be easily mistaken,
that he wanted his disciples, even all of them, to be as himself and the
Father. For as he and the Father were one, so they might be one with them.
And what is said in the 22nd
verse is calculated to more firmly establish this belief, if it needs
anything to establish it. He says, "And the glory which thou gavest me
I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." As much as to say,
that unless they have the glory which the Father had given him, they could
not be one with them. For he
says he had given them the glory that the Father had given him, that they
might be one, or in other words, to make them one.
14This fills up the measure of information on this subject, and shows most
clearly that the Savior wished his disciples to understand that they were
to be partakers with him in all things-not even his glory excepted.
Glory
15It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have previously noticed,
that the glory which the Father and the Son have, is because they are just
and holy beings. And that if they were lacking in one attribute or perfection
which they have, the glory which they have never could be enjoyed by them;
for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it;
and if the Savior gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the
very way set forth in his prayer to his Father by making them one with
him, as he and the
Father are one. In so doing he would give them the glory which the Father
has given him; and when his disciples are made one with the Father and
the Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see the propriety
of the Savior's saying, "The works which I do shall they do also; and greater
works than these shall they do; because I go to the Father"?
16These teachings of the Savior most clearly show unto us the nature of
salvation, and what he proposed unto the human family when he proposed
to save them; that he
proposed to make them like unto himself, and he was like the Father-the
great prototype of all saved beings. And for any portion of the human family
to be assimilated into their
likeness is to be saved, and to be unlike them is to be destroyed. And
on this hinge turns the door of salvation.
17Who cannot see then, that salvation is the effect of faith? For as we
have previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle;
and it is because they are able so to do that they are saved; for nothing
but this could save them. And this is the lesson
which the God of heaven, by the mouth of all his holy prophets, has been
endeavoring to teach to the world. Hence, we are told that without faith
it is impossible to please God and that salvation "is of faith, that it
might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed"
(Romans 4:16). And that Israel, who followed after the law of
righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. "Wherefore?
Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the
law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone." (Romans 9:32). And Jesus
said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented
him, cast out, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that
believeth" (Mark 9:23). These with a multitude of other scriptures which
might be quoted, plainly set forth the light in which the Savior, as well
as the Former Day Saints, viewed the plan of salvation-that it was a system
of faith-it begins
with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained
in relation to it, is the effect of faith, whether it pertains to this
life or that which is to come. To this, all the revelations of God bear
witness. If there were children of promise, they were the effects of faith;
not even the Savior of the world excepted. "Blessed is she that believed,"
said
Elizabeth to Mary when she went to visit her, "for there shall be a performance
of those things which were told her from the Lord" (Luke 1:45). Nor was
the birth of John the Baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order
that his father Zacharias might believe, he
was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and
salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his
faith. According as his faith was, so
were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when
his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of lions,
quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, wax valiant
in fight, and put to flight the armies of the
aliens; women could by their faith receive their dead children to life
again. In a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith.
All things were in subjection to the Former Day Saints, according as their
faith was. By their faith they could obtain
heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits
of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church of the Firstborn
whose names are written in heaven, of God the Judge of all, of Jesus the
Mediator of the new covenant, and become
familiar with the third heavens, see and hear things which were not only
unutterable, but were unlawful to utter. Peter, in view of the power of
faith, 2nd
epistle, 1:1-3 says, to the Former Day Saints: "Grace and peace be multiplied
unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according
as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life
and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory
and virtue." In the first epistle 1:3-5 he says: "Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has
begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time."
18These sayings put together, show the apostle's views most clearly, so
as to admit of no mistake on the mind of any individual. He says that all
things that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them through
the knowledge of God and our Savior Jesus
Christ. And if the question is asked, How were they to obtain the knowledge
of God? (For there is a great difference between believing in God and knowing
him; knowledge implies more than faith. And notice, that all things that
pertain to life and godliness were given through the knowledge of God);
the answer is given, Through faith they were to obtain this knowledge;
and having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could
with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness.
19By these sayings of the apostle, we learn that it was by obtaining a knowledge
of God that men got the knowledge of all things which pertain to life and
godliness, and this knowledge was the effect of faith. So that all things
which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith.
20From this we may extend as far as any circumstances may require, whether
on earth or in heaven; and we will find it the testimony of all inspired
men, or heavenly messengers, that all things that pertain to life and godliness
are the effects of faith and nothing else. All
learning, wisdom, and prudence fail; and everything else, as a means of
salvation-but
faith. This is the reason that the fishermen of Galilee could teach the
world-because they sought by faith and by faith obtained. And this is the
reason that Paul counted all things but filth and dross-what he formerly
called his gain he called his loss; yea, and he counted "all things but
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord"
(Philippians 3:710). Because to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy
the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer the loss of all
things. This is the reason that the
Former Day Saints knew more, and understood more of heaven and of heavenly
things, than all others besides, because this information is the effect
of faith-to be obtained by no other means. And this is the reason that
men, as soon as they lose their faith, run into
strifes, contentions, darkness and difficulties; for the knowledge which
tends to life
disappears with faith, but returns when faith returns; for when faith
comes, it brings its
train of attendants with it-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors,
teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation
of tongues, etc. All these appear
when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from
the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have, and always
will attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be
also, with all things which pertain thereto-
revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every other necessary thing
in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation;
for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who
possesses it will through it obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom,
until he shall know God and the Lord Jesus Christ whom he has sent-whom
to know is eternal life.Amen.
RECEPTION OF SECTIONS BY YEAR
The following graph shows, by year of reception, the sections included in the 1844
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
which had been completed by
Joseph
Smith
just prior to his death.
Later editions added sections from the 1829-1844 time period.The 1876 edition added 26
sections and removed the Article on Marriage (previously Section 101). The 1981 edition
added 2 sections.
This graph puts the entirety of canonized revelation since 1820 into perspective.
ORDER OF SECTIONS IN 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
The 1833
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
arranged the sections in chronological order (with the
exception of Section 1). The 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
arranged some sections by
topic, and the remainder chronologically. Listed here are the current section numbers in the
order they appeared in the 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS.
1
20
107
84
102
86
88
6
24
29
35
38
42
43
45
46
50
58
59
63
64
68
51
65
67
70
57
69
73
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
23
21
22
25
26
27
28
30
31
32
33
34
36
37
39
40
41
44
47
48
49
52
53
54
55
56
60
61
62
74
66
78
79
80
99
81
89
97
93
94
90
98
82
75
83
72
71
76
91
92
100
95
96
101
104
106
133
Article on Marriage
134
The Lord's Preface
1
November 1, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
1833: 1
1835: 1
HC 1:221-224
BC: A preface or instruction unto the
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS, which were given of the Lord unto his
church, through him whom he appointed to this work, by the voice of his saints through the prayer of
faith. This church being organized according to the will of him who rules all things on the sixth day of
April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty.
1
1Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on
high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people
from afar; and ye that
are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.
2For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to
escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall
not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
3And the rebellious shall be
pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the
housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.
4And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my
disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.
5And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have
commanded them.
6Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and
my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to
publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.
7Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people, for what I the Lord have decreed
in them shall be fulfilled.
8And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings
unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both
on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious;
9yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall
be poured out upon the wicked without measure-
10unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according
to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he
has measured to his fellow man.
11Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all
that will hear may hear:
12Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;
13and the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven,
and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth.
14And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they
who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants,
neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut
off from among the
people;
15for they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting
covenant;
16they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh
in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the
likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth
old and shall perish in
Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.
17Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the
inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph
Smith, Jr.,
and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18and also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these
things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was
written by the prophets-
19the weak things of the world
shouldshall
come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones,
that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of
flesh-
20but that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior
of the world;
21that faith also might increase in the earth;
22that mine everlasting covenant might be established;
23that the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the
simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
24Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and
were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their
language, that they might come to understanding.
25And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;
26and inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;
27and inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;
28and inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed
from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.
29And
theyafter
having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph
Smith, Jr.,
might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power
of God, the
BOOK
OF
MORMON.
30And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power
to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity
and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the
whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the
church collectively and not individually-
31for I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
32nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall
be forgiven;
33and he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which
he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive
with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.
34And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord
am willing to make these things known unto all flesh;
35for I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that
the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand,
when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power
over his own dominion.
36And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in
their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world.
37Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies
and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
38What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and
though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away,
but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of
my servants, it is the same.
39For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and
the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.Amen.
COMING OUT OF THE WILDERNESS: SPRING 1820 - JUNE 1831
PROMISE OF PRIESTHOOD
2
September 21, 1823 - Manchester, New York
1876
HC 1:12
This was extracted from Joseph's 1838 History and first published as its own section in 1876.
1
1Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the
prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
2And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to
the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
3If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.
LOST 116 PAGES
3
July 1828 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 2
1835: 30
HC 1:21-23
Working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, from mid-April to mid-June 1828, Joseph Smith dictated and
Martin Harris wrote what Joseph later called the Book of Lehi. Facing opposition from his wife, Martin
pressed Joseph to ask the Lord through the Urim and Thummim whether Martin could take the
translation to Palmyra to convince his friends and family. Joseph inquired of the Lord and the Lord said
that Martin must not take the manuscript. Dissatisfied with the answer, Martin made a second
request, resulting in a similar inquiry and answer. Martin persisted, and Joseph again asked, and
permission was granted on certain conditions, which included showing them only to specified family
members. Martin left for New York with the manuscript in mid-June. In early July, Joseph traveled to
Palmyra to learn the cause of Martin's absence and silence. Shortly after arriving, he learned that
Martin had lost the manuscript. Joseph returned to Harmony in low spirits.
HC: Immediately after my return home I was walking out a little distance, when behold the former
heavenly messenger appeared and handed to me the Urim and Thummim again-for it had been taken
from me in consequence of my having wearied the Lord in asking for the privilege of letting Martin
Harris take the writings, which he lost by transgression-and I inquired of the Lord through it, and
obtained the following:
1
1The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated,
neither can they come to naught.
2For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right
hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said,
therefore his paths are
straitstraight, and his course is one eternal round.
3Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated,
but the work of men;
4for although a man may
have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if
he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God,
and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must
fall to the Earthfall
and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.
5Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were
your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you,
if you transgressed themif you did not transgress them.
6And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws
of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.
7For, behold, you should not have feared
menman
more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and
despise his words-
8yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his
arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and
he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
9Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord,
but because of transgression,
thou mayest fallif thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
10But remember, God is merciful;
therefore, repent of that which thou hast done
and he will only cause thee to be afflicted for a seasonwhich is contrary to the commandment which I gave you,
and thou art still chosen, and
will again be
will and will again beart again
called to the work;
11except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men,
and have no more gift.
12And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee
rightsight and power
to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands
of a wicked man,
13who has set at naught the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred
promises
which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment and
boasted in his own wisdom.
14And this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season-
15for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon
from the beginning.
16Nevertheless, my work shall go
forth and accomplish my purposesforth,
for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come
intounto
the world,
through the testimony of the Jews,
even so shall the knowledge of
a Savior come unto
my people
17and to
the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites,
through the testimony of their fathers-
18and this testimony shall
come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the
Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the
iniquities / who have beeniniquity
of their fathers,
whom the Lord has
suffered to destroy their brethren
the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations.
19And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these
records-that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made
to his people;
20and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and
that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe
the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through
faith in his name, and that
they might repent andthrough their repentance they might
be saved.Amen.
JOSEPH SMITH, SR.
4
February 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 3
1835: 31
HC 1:28
Shortly after receiving this revelation, Joseph Smith, Sr. returned to Palmyra where Oliver Cowdery was
boarding at his house. Lucy Smith wrote that although Cowdery had questioned Joseph Sr. about the
gold plates, he did not succeed in eliciting any information for a long time. This revelation likely motivated Joseph Sr. to share enough information with Oliver to prompt him to receive his own
manifestation through prayer and travel to Harmony to meet Joseph.
1
1Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children
of men.
2Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him
with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless
before God at the last day.
3Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4for behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth
in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth
not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5and faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of
God,
constitutesqualify
him for the work.
6Remember
faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,
brotherly kindness, godliness, charity,
humility, diligence.
7Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.Amen.
MARTIN'S WITNESS
5
March 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 4
1835: 32
HC 1:28-31
Joseph had not seen Martin since the summer of 1828 when Martin admitted to losing the 116 pages
of manuscript. Opponents were threatening a lawsuit claiming Joseph did not have the gold plates and
was defrauding believers. Martin desired of the Lord to know whether Joseph had in his possession,
the record of the Nephites.
and
have Martin in second person and Joseph in third person.
HC: The following I applied for and obtained, at the request of the aforementioned Martin Harris:
1
1Behold, I say unto you, that
as
my servant Martin
Harris
has desired a witness at my hand, that
you,
my servant Joseph
Smith, Jr., have got the
thingsplates
of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me;
2and now, behold, this shall you say unto him-
He who spake unto you, said unto you:
I, the Lord, am God, and have given these things unto
you,
my servant Joseph
Smith, Jr., and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things;
3
nevertheless
and
I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that
you should not show them except
I command him
to those persons to whom I commanded you
; and you have no power over
them except I grant it unto you.
4
And you have a gift to translate the
book
plates
;
and this is the
first gift that I bestowed upon you;
and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift
until my purpose is fulfilled in this
; for I will grant unto you no other gift
until it is finished
.
5And
verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the
earth if they will not hearken unto my words;
6for
hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth and
deliver my words unto the children of men.
7Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe
my servantsyou, my servant Joseph
, if it were possible that you should show them all these things
which I have committed unto you
.
8Oh,
ye / ye
this
unbelieving
and
stiffnecked generation-mine anger is kindled against
you
them
.
9Behold, verily I say
unto you
, I have reserved
the things which have been spoken of
those things
which I have entrusted unto
you,
my servant
Joseph,
for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;
10but this generation shall have my
words
word through you
.
Three witnesses
11And
in addition to your testimony,
the testimony of three of my servants,
whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they
shall go forth with my words
unto this generation / three
that are given through you
.
12Yea,
they
shall know of a surety that these things are true, for
from heaven will I declare it unto them
.
13I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are;
14and to none else will I grant this power, to
receive this same testimony among this generation,
in this the beginning of the rising up
and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness-clear as the moon,
and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners
.
15And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth
andof
my word.
16And behold,
whosoever believeth
in my wordon my words,
them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall
be born of me,
even of water and of the Spirit-
17and you must wait yet a
little while, for ye are not yet ordained-
18and their testimony shall also go forth
unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them.
These verses were in the 1833
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS,
but were removed in the 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS.
And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hearts, I
will work a
reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings,
and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries,
and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church,
yea even the church which was taught by my disciples.
like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.
And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my
wordsword,
behold I will deliver them up unto Satan, for he reigneth and hath much
power at this time, for he hath got great hold upon the hearts of the people
of this generation: and
hownot
far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah, do they come at this time:
and behold the sword of justice hangeth over their heads, and if they persist
in the hardness of their hearts, the time cometh that it must fall upon
them.
19For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth,
and shall
continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until
the earth is empty,
and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by
the brightness of
my coming.
20Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the
destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as
it hath hitherto been verified.
Commandments
21And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly
before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;
22and that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded
you; and if you do this, behold I grant
unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.
23And now again I speak
unto you, my servant Joseph,
concerning the man that desires the witness-
24Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and does not humble himself
sufficiently before me; but if he will
go out and bow downbow down
before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity
of his heart, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he
desires to
view
knowsee.
25And then he shall say unto the people of this generation: "Behold, I have
seen the things
which the Lord has shown unto Joseph Smith, Jr.,
and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them,
andfor
they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man."
26And I
the Lord
command him,
my servant Martin Harris,
that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except
he shall say: "I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the
power of God;" and these are the words which he shall say.
27But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted
with me, and behold, he is condemned.
28And now, except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that
he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my
commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall
have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the things of
which I have spoken.
29And if this be the case, I command
you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him,
that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter.
30And if this be the case, behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast
translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I
command thee again; then thou mayest translate again.
31And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt have no more gift, and I will
take away the things which I have entrusted with thee.
32And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee, yea, I foresee
that if my servant
Martin Harris
humbleth not himself and receive a witness from my hand, that he will
fall into transgression;
33and there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off
the face of the earth; and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged,
I have given unto thee these commandments.
34Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command
thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing
which I have commanded thee.
35And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted
up at the last day.Amen.
WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT
6
April 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 5
1835: 8
HC 1:32-35
Oliver Cowdery had previously boarded at Joseph Smith, Sr.'s house and heard about Joseph and the
gold plates. Oliver prayed about these things and the Lord manifested to him that they were true.
Oliver arrived in Harmony on April 7, 1829.
HC: Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery, I commenced to translate the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and he
began to write for me, which having continued for some time, I inquired of the Lord through the Urim
and Thummim, and obtained the following:
1
1A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of
men.
2Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful,
sharper than a two- edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints
and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words.
3Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth
to reap, let him
thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of
God.
4Yea, whosoever will thrust in his
sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
5Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock
it shall be opened unto you.
6Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments,
and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;
7seek not for riches but for wisdom, and
behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall
you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
8Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be
unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good
in this generation.
9Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments,
and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you
shall be blessed.
10Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember
it is sacred and cometh from above-
11and if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and
marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find
out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth,
yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
12Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith.
Trifle not with sacred things.
13If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt
be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts
of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.
14Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done;
for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired
thou hast received instruction of
my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place
where thou art at this time.
15Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten
thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou
hast been
enlightened by the Spirit of truth;
16yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God
that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.
17I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee-that the words or the
work which thou hast been writing are true.
18Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever
difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.
19Admonish him in his faults, and also
receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience,
faith, hope and charity.
20Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires;
therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent
in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms
of my love.
21Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto
mine own, and mine own
received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not.
22Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast
your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you
might know concerning the truth of these things.
23Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater
witness can you have than from God?
24And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things
which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?
25And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate,
even as my servant Joseph.
26Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much
of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the
people;
27and now I command you, that if you have good desires-a desire to lay up
treasures for yourself in heaven-then shall you assist in bringing to light,
with your gift, those parts of my
scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity.
28And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the
keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
29Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part
of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto
you than unto me.
30And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are
ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory.
31But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony
which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the
fruit of your labors.
32Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two
or three are
gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will
I be in the midst of them-even so am I in the midst of you.
33Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also
reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine
against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with
soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
37Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails
in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit
the kingdom of heaven.Amen.
JOHN THE BELOVED
7
April 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 6
1835: 33
HC 1:35-36
HC: During the month of April I continued to translate, and he to write, with little cessation, during
which time we received several revelations. A difference of opinion arising between us about the
account of John the Apostle, mentioned in the New Testament, as to whether he died or continued to
live, we mutually agreed to settle it by the Urim and Thummim and the following is the word which we
received:
1
1And the Lord said unto me:
John, my beloved, what desirest thou?
For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be
granted unto you
.
2And I said unto him:
Lord, give unto me power
over death,
that I may
live and
bring souls unto thee.
3And the Lord said unto me:
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt
tarry until I come in my glory,
and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
4And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter:
If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired
of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest
speedily come unto me in my kingdom.
5I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved
has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what
he has before done.
6Yea, he
has undertaken a greater work;
therefore I will make him as
flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who
shall be heirs of
salvation who dwell on the earth
.
7And I will make thee to minister for him and for
thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys
of this
ministry until I come.
8Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for
ye both joy in that which ye have desired.
OLIVER'S GIFTS
8
April 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 7
1835: 34
HC 1:36-37
HC: Whilst continuing the work of translation, during the month of April, Oliver Cowdery became
exceedingly anxious to have power to translate bestowed upon him, and in relation to this desire the
following revelations were obtained:
1
1Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the
Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you
receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an
honest heart, believing that you shall receive a
knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient,
which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the
manifestation of my Spirit.
2Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy
Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit
by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry
ground.
4Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it
shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not
so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction.
5Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is
your gift.
6Now this is not all
thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of
working with the rodAaron; behold, it has told you
many
things;
7behold, there is no other power, save
the power of
God, that can cause this
rod of nature to work in your handsgift of Aaron to be with you
.
8Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God;
and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power
shall be able to
take it away out of your hands,
for it is the work of God.
9And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means,
that will I grant unto you, and you shall
knowhave knowledge concerning it.
10Remember that without faith you can do nothing;
therefore ask in faith
. Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not.
11Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate
and receive knowledge from
all those
ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according
to your faith shall it be done unto you.
12Behold, it is I that have spoken it; and I am the same that spake unto
you from the beginning.Amen.
OLIVER TRIES TRANSLATING
9
April 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 8
1835: 35
HC 1:37-38
1
1Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according
to that
which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant,
Joseph Smith, Jr., even so I would that ye should continue until you have
finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him.
2And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power
that you may assist to translate.
3Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that
you should translate at this present time.
4Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant
Joseph.
5And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you
commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege
from you.
6Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you
after this manner.
7Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it
unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind;
then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that
your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is
right.
9But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall
have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which
is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
10Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it
is not expedient that you should translate now.
11Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time
is past, and it is not expedient now;
12for, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient
strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.
13Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful,
and yield to no temptation.
14Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your
head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day.Amen.
RETRANSLATING THE LOST PAGES
10
April 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 9
1835: 36
HC 1:23-28
HC: After I had obtained the above revelation, both the plates and the Urim and Thummim were taken
from me again; but in a few days they were returned to me, when I enquired of the Lord, and the Lord
said thus unto me:
1
1Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up
so manythose
writings which you had power
given unto you
to translate
by the means of the Urim and Thummim,
into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them.
2And you also lost your gift at the same time,
and your mind became darkened.
3Nevertheless, it
has beenis now
restored unto you again;
therefore see that you are faithful and
gocontinue
on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work
of translation
as you have begun.
4Do not run faster
or labor more
than you have strength and means provided
to enable you
to translate; but be diligent unto the end.
5Pray always,
that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and
thosethat you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan
that do uphold his work.
6Behold, they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in whom you
have trusted
has sought to destroy
you.
7And for this cause I said that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to
take away the things wherewith you have been entrusted; and he has also
sought to destroy your gift.
8And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold,
theywicked men
have taken them from you.
9Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto
wickedness.
Satan's evil design
10And, behold, Satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which
you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have
gone out of your hands.
11And behold, I say unto you, that because they have altered the words,
they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written;
12and, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he
may destroy this work;
13for he has put into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say
they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate.
14Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish
his evil design in this thing.
15For behold, he has put it into their hearts
to get thee
to tempt the Lord
thy God, in asking to translate it over again.
16And then,
behold, they say and think in their hearts:
We will see if God has given him power to translate; if so, he will also
give him power again;
17and if God giveth him power again, or if he translates again, or, in other
words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with
us, and we have altered them;
18therefore they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his
words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power;
19therefore we will destroy him, and also the work; and we will do this
that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that we may get glory of the
world.
20Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts;
he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good;
21and their hearts are corrupt, and full of
wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light,
because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me.
22Satan stirreth them up,
that he may lead their souls to destruction.
23And thus he has laid a cunning plan,
thinking
to destroy the work of God;
but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment.
24Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against
this work.
25Yea, he saith unto them, "Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may
destroy; behold, this is no harm." And thus he flattereth them, and tells
them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that
they may destroy him.
26And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth
their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves
in their own snare.
27And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy
the souls of men.
28Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because
he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from
the justice of God.
29Now, behold, they have altered these words, because Satan says unto them,
"He hath deceived you," and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity,
to get thee
to tempt the Lord
theirthy
God.
30Behold, I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words
which have gone forth out of your hands;
31for, behold, they shall not
lie anymoreaccomplish their evil designs in lying
against those words. For, behold, if you should bring forth the same words
they
wouldwill
say that you have lied and that you have pretended to translate, but that
you have contradicted
your words / would / wouldyourself.
32And, behold, they
will
publish this, and Satan
will
harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you,
that they
mightwill
not believe my words.
33Thus Satan
wouldthinketh to
overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work
mightmay
not come forth in this generation.
34But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give
you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not
unto the world until you have accomplished the work
of translation.
35Marvel not that I said unto you, "Here is wisdom, show it not unto the
world." For I said, "Show it not unto the world," that you may be preserved.
36Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous;
37but as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always
tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your
peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning
the matter.
The plates of Nephi
38And now, verily I say unto you, that an account of those things that you
have written, which have gone out of your hands, is engraven upon the plates
of Nephi;
39yea, and you remember it was said in those writings that a more particular
account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi.
40And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi
is more particular concerning the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring
to the knowledge of the people in this account-
41therefore, you shall
translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till
you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which
you have translated, which you have retained;
42and behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi;
And thus I will confound those who have altered my words.
43I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto
them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
44Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of
Nephi.
45Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which
do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that
you should
translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in
this work.
46And, behold, all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts
of my gospel
which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired in their prayers
should come forth unto this people.
47And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them
according to their faith in their prayers;
48yea, and this was their faith-that my gospel, which I gave unto them that
they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren the Lamanites,
and also all that had become Lamanites because of their dissensions.
49Now, this is not all-their faith in their prayers was that this gospel
should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should
possess this land;
50and thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that
whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal
life;
51yea, that it might be free unto all of
whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.
The Lord's church
52And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring
this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not
bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.
53And for this cause have I said:
D&C 5 after verse 18If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.
54Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church;
55therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall
inherit the kingdom of heaven.
56But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build
up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly
and build up the kingdom of the devil-yea, verily, verily, I say unto you,
that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to
the center.
57Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine
own received me not.
58I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not.
59I am he who said, "Other sheep have I which are not of this
fold," unto my disciples, and many there were that understood me not.
60And I will show unto this people that I had other sheep, and that they
were a branch of the house of Jacob;
61and I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my
name;
62yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto
them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but
they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my
doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.
63And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so
much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention
concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err,
for they do wrest the scriptures and do not
understand them.
64Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery;
65for, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, if they will not harden their hearts;
66yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely.
67Behold, this is my doctrine-whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the
same is my church.
68Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but
is against me; therefore he is not of my church.
69And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church
to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against them.
70And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world,
your Redeemer, your Lord and your God.Amen.
HYRUM SMITH
11
May 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 10
1835: 37
HC 1:45-46
HC: Feeling it to be our duty, we commenced to reason out of the scriptures with our acquaintances
and friends. About this time my brother Samuel H. Smith came to visit us. We informed him of what
the Lord was about to do for the children of men, and began to reason with him out of the Bible. We
also showed him that part of the work which we had translated, and labored to persuade him
concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was now about to be revealed in its fulness. He was not, however, very easily persuaded of these things, but after much inquiry and explanation he retired to
the woods, in order that by secret and fervent prayer he might obtain of a merciful God, wisdom to
enable him to judge for himself. The result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to
convince him of the truth of our assertions to him; and on the twenty-fifth day of that same month in
which we had been baptized and ordained, Oliver Cowdery baptized him; and he returned to his
father's house, greatly glorifying and praising God, being filled with the Holy Spirit.
My brother Hyrum Smith came to us to inquire concerning these things, when at his earnest request, I
inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim, and received for him the following:
1
1A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2Behold,
I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than
a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore
give heed unto my word.
3Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth
to reap let him
thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of
God.
4Yea, whosoever will thrust in his
sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
5Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock
it shall be opened unto you.
6Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments,
and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
7Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God
shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he
that hath eternal life is rich.
8Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be
done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much
good in this generation.
9Say nothing but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments,
and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you
shall be blessed.
10Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire
of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ,
or in my power which speaketh
unto thee;
11for, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth
in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee.
12And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit
which leadeth to do good-yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously;
and this is my Spirit.
13Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which
shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;
14and then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever
you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of
righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.
15Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to
preach until you are called.
16Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church,
and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine.
17And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your
faith shall it be done unto you.
18Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit;
19yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing
to light those things of which has been spoken-yea, the translation of
my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it.
20Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your
might, mind and strength.
21Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then
shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit
and my word,
yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
22But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the
children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the
children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until
you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in
this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto.
23Behold thou art Hyrum, my son; seek the kingdom of God, and all things
shall be added according to that which is just.
24Build upon my rock, which is my gospel;
25deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo
unto him that denieth these things;
26therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom
that you shall go forth.
27Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their
sickle to reap.
28Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light
of the world.
29I am the same who came unto mine own and mine own received me not;
30but verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them
will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on my name.Amen.
JOSEPH KNIGHT, SR.
12
May 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 11
1835: 38
HC 1:47-48
HC: Joseph Knight, Sr., who, having heard of the manner in which we were occupying our time, very
kindly and considerately brought us a quantity of provisions, in order that we might not be interrupted
in the work of translation by the want of such necessities of life...he several times brought us supplies,
a distance of at least thirty miles, which enabled us to continue the work when otherwise we must have relinquished it for a season. Being very anxious to know his duty as to this work, I inquired of the
Lord for him, and obtained the following:
1
1A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of
men.
2Behold,
I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than
a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore,
give heed unto my word.
3Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth
to reap let him
thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of
God.
4Yea, whosoever will thrust in his
sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
5Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock
it shall be opened unto you.
6Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments,
and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
7Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring
forth and establish this work;
8and no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full
of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things,
whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.
9Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words,
therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called.Amen.
PRIESTHOOD OF AARON
13
May 15, 1829 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1876
HC 1:39-42
HC: We still continued the work of translation, when in the ensuing month we, on a certain day, went
into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we
found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling
upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon
us, he ordained us, saying:
1
1Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood
of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the
gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of
sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons
of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
DAVID WHITMER
14
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
1833: 12
1835: 39
HC 1:48-50
HC: David, John, and Peter Whitmer, Jr., became our zealous friends and assistants in the work; and
being anxious to know their respective duties, and having desired with much earnestness that I should
inquire of the Lord concerning them, I did so, through the means of the Urim and Thummim, and
obtained for them the following revelations:
1
1A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of
men.
2Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper
than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow;
therefore give heed unto my word.
3Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth
to reap let him
thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of
God.
4Yea, whosoever will thrust in his
sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
5Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock
it shall be opened unto you.
6Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all
things.
7And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have
eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
8And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name,
in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost,
which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things
of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance
unto this generation.
9Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the
heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness;
10wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles
unto the house of Israel.
11And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing
if ye do, and are
faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great
shall be your reward.Amen.
JOHN WHITMER
15
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
1833: 13
1835: 40
HC 1:50
1
1Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your
Lord and your Redeemer.
2For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm
is over all the earth.
3And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee
alone-
4for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the
most worth unto you.
5Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which
I have given you according to my commandments.
6And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most
worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you
may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of
my Father.Amen.
PETER WHITMER
16
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
1833: 14
1835: 41
HC 1:51
1
1Hearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your
Lord and your Redeemer.
2For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm
is over all the earth.
3And I will tell you that which no man knows save me and thee alone-
4for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the
most worth unto you.
5Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which
I have given unto you according to my commandments.
6And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most
worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you
may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of
my Father.Amen.
SEEING THE PLATES
17
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
1835: 42
HC 1:52-57
HC: In the course of the work of translation, we ascertained that three special witnesses were to be
provided by the Lord, to whom He would grant that they should see the plates from which this work
should be translated and that these witnesses should bear record of the same...Almost immediately
after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and...Martin
Harris...that they would have me inquire of the Lord to know if they might not obtain of his the
privilege to be these three special witnesses and finally they became so very solicitous, and urged me
so much to inquire that at length I complied; and through the Urim and Thummim, I obtained of the
Lord for them the following:
1
1Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you
do with full
purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the
breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given
to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face
to face, and the miraculous directors which
were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red
Sea.
2And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by
that faith which was had by the prophets of old.
3And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes,
you shall testify of them, by the power of God;
4and this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith,
Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes
unto the children of men in this work.
5And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my
servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that
he has seen them, and it is because he had faith.
6And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded
him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.
7Wherefore, you have
received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;
8And if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient
for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day.
9And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you,
that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men.Amen.
ARTICLES OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
JSP
Oliver Cowdery arranged the Articles of the Church of Christ in June 1829. It was used by early believers
to organize themselves according to the revealed word before THE
BOOK
OF
MORMON
was published in
March 1830.
1
A commandment from God unto Oliver Cowdery how he should build up his Church & the
manner thereof, saying:
Oliver, listen to the voice of Christ your Lord and your God and your
Redeemer and write the words which I shall command you concerning my Church,
my Gospel, my Rock and my Salvation.
D&C 18:6Behold the world is ripening in iniquity and it must needs be that the
children of men are stirred up unto repentance both the Gentiles and also
the House of Israel.
D&C 18:9For behold I command all men everywhere to repent and I speak unto you
even as unto Paul mine apostle for ye are called even with that same calling
with which he was called.
Now therefore whosoever repents and humbles himself before me and desires
to be baptized in my name shall ye baptize them.
And after this manner did he command me that I should baptize them:
3 Nephi 11:23-27Behold ye shall go down and stand in the water and in my name shall ye
baptize them. And now behold these are the words which ye shall say calling
them by name saying, "Having authority given me of Jesus Christ I baptize
you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen."
And then shall ye immerse them in the water and come forth again out of
the water and after this manner shall ye baptize in my name. For behold
verily I say unto you that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are
one and I am in the Father and the Father in me and the Father and I are
one.
And ye are also called to ordain Priests and Teachers according to the
gifts and callings of God unto men and after this manner shall ye ordain
them, ye shall pray unto the Father in my name and then shall ye lay your
hands upon them and say:
Moroni 3:3In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a Priest or if he be a
Teacher I ordain you to be a Teacher to preach repentance and remission
of sins through Jesus Christ by the endurance of faith on his name to the
end.Amen.
And this shall be the duty of the Priest: He shall kneel down and the
members of the church shall kneel also which church shall be called the
Church of Christ and he shall
pray to the Father in my name for the church and if it so be that it be
built upon my Rock I will bless it. And after that ye have prayed to the
Father in my name ye shall preach the truth in soberness casting out none
from among you but rather invite them to come.
And the Church shall oft partake of bread and wine and after this manner shall ye partake
of it: The Elder or Priest shall minister it and after this manner shall he do he shall kneel
with the Church and pray to the Father in the name of Christ and then shall ye say:
Moroni 4:3O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ
to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake
of it that they may eat in
remembrance of the body of thy Son and witness unto thee O God the Eternal
Father that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son and
always remember him and keep his commandments which he hath given them
that they may always have his spirit to be with them,Amen.
And then shall ye take the cup and say:
Moroni 5:2O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ
to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of
it that they may do in
remembrance of the blood of thy Son which was shed for them that they
may witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they do always remember
him that they may have his spirit to be with them,Amen.
3 Nephi 18:28-33And now behold I give unto you a commandment that ye shall not suffer
any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily when ye shall
minister it for whoso eats and drinks my flesh and blood unworthily eats
and drinks damnation to his
soul. Therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of
my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him nevertheless ye shall not cast him
out from among you but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him
unto the Father in my name and if it so be that he repents and is baptized
in my name then shall ye receive him and shall minister unto him of my
flesh and blood but if he repents not he shall not be numbered among my
people that he may not destroy my people. For behold I know my sheep and
they are
numbered nevertheless ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues or
your places of worship for unto such shall ye continue to minister for
ye know not but what they will
return and repent and come unto me with full purpose of heart and I shall
heal them and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them. Therefore
keep these sayings which I have commanded you that ye come not under condemnation
for wo unto him whom the Father condemneth.
And the church shall meet together oft for prayer and supplication casting
out none from your places of worship but rather invite them to come. And
each member shall speak and tell the church of their progress in the way
to Eternal life.
And there shall be no pride nor envying nor strifes nor malice nor idolatry
nor witchcrafts nor whoredoms nor fornications nor covetousness nor lying
nor deceits nor no manner of iniquity and if any one is guilty of any or
the least of these and does not repent and shew
fruits meets for repentance they shall not be numbered among my people
that they may not destroy my people.
Message to the Church
And now I speak unto the church:
Repent all ye ends of the earth and come unto me and be baptized in my
name which is Jesus Christ and endure to the end and ye shall be saved.
Behold Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father and there
is none other name given whereby man can be saved. Therefore all men must
take upon them the name which is given of the Father for
in that name shall they be called at the last day. Therefore if they know
not the name by which they are called they cannot have place in the kingdom
of my Father.
Behold ye must walk uprightly before me and sin not and if ye do walk
uprightly before me and sin not my grace is sufficient for you that ye
shall be lifted up at the last day.
Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God I am the same which
came unto my own and my own received me not. I am the light which shines
in darkness and the
darkness comprehends it not. These words are not of men nor of man but
of me. Now
remember the words of him who is the first and the last the light and
the life of the world. And I Jesus Christ your Lord and your God and your
Redeemer by the power of my
Spirit hath spoken it.Amen.
Oliver's conclusion
And now if I have not authority to write these things judge ye. Behold
ye shall know that I have authority when you and I shall be brought to
stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Now may the grace of God the
Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be and abide
with you all and finally save you eternally in his kingdom through the
infinite atonement which is in Jesus Christ.Amen.
Behold I am Oliver. I am an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Behold I have written the things
which he hath commanded me for behold his word was unto me as a burning
fire shut up in my bones and I was weary with forbearing and I could forbear
no longer.Amen.
CHOOSING THE TWELVE
18
June 1829 - Fayette, New York
1833: 15
1835: 43
HC 1:60-64
HC: We now became anxious to have that promise realized to us, which the angel that conferred upon
us the Aaronic Priesthood had given us, viz., that provided we continued faithful, we should also have
the Melchizedek Priesthood, which holds the authority of the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy
Ghost. We had for some time made this matter a subject of humble prayer, and at length we got
together in the chamber of Mr. Whitmer's house, in order more particularly to seek of the Lord what
we now so earnestly desired; and here, to our unspeakable satisfaction, did we realize the truth of the
Savior's promise-"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you"-for we had not long been engaged in solemn and fervent prayer, when the word of the
Lord came unto us in the chamber, commanding us that I should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder
in the Church of Jesus Christ; and that he also should ordain me to the same office; and then to ordain
others, as it should be made known unto us from time to time.
We were, however, commanded to defer this our ordination until such times as it should be
practicable to have our brethren, who had been and who should be baptized, assembled together,
when we must have their sanction to our thus proceeding to ordain each other, and have them decide
by vote whether they were willing to accept us as spiritual teachers or not; when also we were
commanded to bless bread and break it with them, and to take wine, bless it, and drink it with them;
afterward proceed to ordain each other according to commandment; then call out such men as the
Spirit should dictate, and ordain them; and then attend to the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy
Ghost, upon all those whom we had previously baptized, doing all things in the name of the Lord.
The following commandment will further illustrate the nature of our calling to this Priesthood, as well
as that of others who were yet to be sought after:
1
1Now, behold, because of the thing which you,
my servant Oliver Cowdery,
have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words:
2Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that
the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they
are true.
3And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a
commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;
4for in them are all things written concerning
the foundation of
my church, my gospel, and my rock.
5Wherefore, if you shall build up my church,
andupon the foundation of
my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
6Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the
children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also
the house of Israel.
7Wherefore, as thou hast been baptized by the hands of my servant
Joseph Smith, Jun., according to that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled the
thing which I commanded him.
8And now, marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which
purpose is known in me; wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my
commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life; and his name is Joseph.
To Oliver and David
9And now, Oliver
Cowdery, I speak unto you, and also unto David
Whitmer,
by the way of commandment; for, behold, I command all men everywhere
to repent, and I speak
unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with
that same calling with which he was called.
10Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
11for, behold, the Lord your
GodRedeemer
suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men,
that all men might repent and come unto him.
12And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto
him, on conditions of repentance.
13And how great is his joy in the soul that repents!
14Wherefore, you are called to cry
repentance unto this people.
15And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance
unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall
be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
16And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought
unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you
should bring many souls unto me!
17Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
18Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive,
and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are
expedient unto the children of men.
19And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.
20Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.
21Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.
22And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ,
and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
23Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is
given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can
be saved;
24wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the
Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;
25wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot
have place in the kingdom of my Father.
26And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel,
both unto Gentile and unto Jew;
27yea, even
unto twelvetwelve; and the twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them
my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my
name with full purpose of heart.
28And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart,
they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every
creature.
29And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according
to that which is written;
30and you have that which is written before you; wherefore, you must perform
it according to the words which are written.
The Twelve
31And now I speak unto you, the Twelve-Behold, my grace is sufficient for
you; you must walk uprightly before me and sin not.
32And, behold, you are they who are ordained
of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according
to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings
and gifts of God unto men;
33and I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
34These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall
testify they are of me and not of man;
35for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by
my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and
save it were by my power you could not have them;
36wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.
37And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver
Cowdery, and also unto David
Whitmer,
that you shall search out the twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken;
38and by their desires and their works you shall know them.
39And when you have found them you shall show these things unto them.
40And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name.
41And you must preach unto the world, saying, "You must repent and be baptized,
in the name of Jesus Christ;"
42for all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women,
and children who have arrived at the years of accountability.
43And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments
in all things;
44and by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men,
unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance,
and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father.
45Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things.
46And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments
you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father.
47Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by
the power of my Spirit have spoken it.Amen.
ENDLESS AND ETERNAL
19
June-August 1829 - New York
1833: 16
1835: 44
HC 1:72-74
In summer 1829, the printer E.B. Grandin wanted to secure payment from Martin Harris before
beginning to print the
BOOK
OF
MORMON. Martin mortgaged his property on August 25, 1829 and
Grandin began work in September 1829.
BC: A commandment of God and not of man to you, Martin, given by him who is eternal:
1
1I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning
and the end, the Redeemer of the world.
2I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the
Father,
concerning me
-having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself-
3retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at
the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall
pass upon the inhabitants thereof,
judging
every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.
4And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.
5Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall
go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are
found on my left hand.
Explanation of endless and eternal
6Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment,
but it is written
endless torment.
7Again, it is written
eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work
upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for
my name's glory.
8Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you
to know even as mine apostles.
9I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one,
that you may enter into my rest.
10For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I
am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment,
for Endless is my name. Wherefore-
11eternal punishment is God's punishment.
12Endless punishment is God's punishment.
Commandments for Martin
13Wherefore, I command you
by my name and by my Almighty power, that you repentto repent,
and keep the commandments which you have
received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name;
14
and it is by my almighty power that you have received them
;
15
therefore I command you to repent-
repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and
by my anger, and your sufferings be sore-how sore you know not, how exquisite
you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
16For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might
not suffer if they would repent;
17but if they would not repent they must
suffer even as I;
18which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble
because of pain, and to bleed at every pore,
and to suffer
both body and spirit-and would that I might not drink the bitter cup,
and shrink-
19nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations
unto the children of men.
20Wherefore, I command you again
by my Almighty powerto repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and
that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which
I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree
you have tasted at the time I
withdrew my Spirit.
21And I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not
these things
neither speak these things unto the worldunto the world until it is wisdom in me.
22For they cannot bear meat
now,
but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things,
lest they perish.
23
Wherefore learn of meLearn of me,
and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall
have peace in me.
24I am
Jesus Christ;
I came
by the will of the Father,
and I do his will.
25And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife;
nor seek thy neighbor's life.
26And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property,
but impart it freely to the printing of THE
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
which contains the truth and the word of God-
27which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom
the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel, and look
not for a Messiah to come who has already come.
28And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as
to thyselfin thy heart; yea,
before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.
29And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains,
and upon every high place, and among
every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.
30And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against
revilers.
31And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and
faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea,
even the Holy Ghost.
32Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto
you
concerning this matter;
for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.
33And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea,
even the destruction of thyself and property.
34Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all
save the support of thy family.
35Pay the
printer's debtdebt thou hast contracted with the printer.
Release thyself from bondage.
36Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see
themthy family;
37and speak
freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud
voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying, "Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be
the name of the Lord God!"
38Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be
your blessing- yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth
and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
39Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart
for gladness?
40Or
canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?
41Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me?
Yea, come unto me thy Savior.Amen.
ARTICLES AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH
20
April 10, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 24
1835: 2
HC 1:64-70
On June 9, 1830, at the first conference of the church following its formal organization, this document
was presented to the membership for approval. It was later published twice in The Evening and
Morning Star, and place immediately after the preface in the 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS.
HC: In this manner did the Lord continue to give us instructions from time to time, concerning the
duties which now devolved upon us; and among many other things of the kind, we obtained by Him
the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation which not only gave us much information, but
also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we should
proceed to organize His Church once more here upon the earth:
1
1The rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand
eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being
regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country,
by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth
day of the month which is called April-
2which commandments were given to Joseph
Smith, Jun.,
who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ,
anto be the first
elder of this church;
3and to
Oliver Cowdery, who was
also
called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
anto be the second
elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;
4and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to
whom be all glory, both now and forever.Amen.
5After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received
a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the
world;
6but after
truly repentingrepenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith,
God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning,
and whose garments were pure and white above all
other
whiteness;
7and gave unto him commandments which inspired him
8
from on high; and gave unto him powerand gave him power from on high,
by the means which were before prepared
that he should translate a book, which book contained / and alsoto translate the
BOOK
OF
MORMON;
9which contains
a record of a fallen people,
and
the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the
Jews also;
10which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto
the world by them
-
11proving
unto themto the world
that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call
them to his holy work
in these last days / daysin this age and generation
, as well as in
generations
of old;
12
that he might bethereby showing that he is
the same God
yesterday, today, and
forever.Amen.
13Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged,
even as many as shall hereafter
receive this work, either to faith and righteousness, or to the hardness of heart in unbeliefcome to a knowledge of this work.
14And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;
15but those who harden their
hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn
to their own condemnation-
16for the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have
heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to
whom be glory forever and ever.Amen.
17By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite
and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God,
the
makerframer
of heaven and earth, and
all things which are in them;
18and that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his
own likeness, created he them;
19and
that he gave unto the children of men>gave unto them
commandments that they should love and serve him,
the only living and true God, and that he should be
the only being whom they should worship.
20But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish,
and became fallen man.
21Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written
in those
scriptures which have been given of him.
22He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.
23He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;
24and ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father,
to reign with almighty power according to the
will of the Father;
25
therefore / were
that
as many as would believe and
be
baptized in his holy name, and
enduredendure
in faith to the end, should be saved-
26
not only those who believed after he came
in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning,
even as many as were before he
came in the flesh, from the beginning / whichcame,
who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who
spake as they
were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost,
who
truly testified of him in all things,
should have eternal life,
27as well as those who should come after, who should believe in
the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record
of the Father and of the Son;
28
which Father and Son and Holy Ghost is one God
which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God
, infinite and eternal, without end.Amen.
29And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus
Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his
name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
30And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ is just and true;
31and we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who
love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.
32But there is a possibility that
menman
may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into
temptations;
34yea, and even
he that is sanctified
let those who are sanctified take heed
also.
35And we know that these things are true and
agreeable
according
to the revelations of John, neither adding to nor diminishing from the
prophecy of his book,
neither to the holy scriptures, neither to the revelations of God
the holy scriptures, or the
revelations of God
which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the
voice of God, or the ministering of angels.
36And the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power and glory be rendered
to his holy name, both now and ever.Amen.
Manner of baptism
37And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the
matter
manner
of baptism-
All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized,
and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness
untobefore
the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing
to take upon them the name of
Jesus
Christ,
having a determination to serve him
untoto
the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received
of
the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins,
then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christshall be received by baptism into this church.
OFFICES IN THE CHURCH
38The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ-
Elder
An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to
baptize;
39and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;
40and to administer
bread and wine-the emblems of
the flesh and blood of Christ-
41and to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on
of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;
42and to teach,
expound,
exhort,
baptize,
and watch over the church;
43and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving
of the Holy Ghost;
44and to take the lead of all meetings.
45The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost,
according to the commandments and revelations of God.
Priest
but none of these offices he is to do when there is an elder present, but in all cases to assist the elder
46The priest's duty is to
50but when there is an elder present, he is only to
preach,
preach,
teach,
teach,
expound,
expound,
exhort,
exhort,
and baptize,
and baptize,
and administer the sacrament,
47and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.
51and visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.
48And
he may also
ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.
52In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.
49And
he is to
take the lead of meetings
when there is no elder present;
Teacher
53The teacher's duty is to
watch over the church always, and be
with themwith
and strengthen them;
54and see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with
each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
55and see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the
members do their duty.
56And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest-
57and is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons,
if occasion requires.
58But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize,
nor administeradminister
the sacrament,
or lay on hands;
59
butthey are, however,
to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
Ordination requirements
60Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to
the gifts and callings of God unto him;
and he is to be ordained
by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.
61The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference
once in three months, or from time to time as
they / to do church business whatsoever is necessarysaid conferences
shall direct or appoint;
62
and said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time.
63
The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the
church to which they belong, or from the conferences
.
64Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a
priest,
is tomay
take a certificate from him at the time, which
certificate,
when presented to an elder,
he is to give him / dutyshall entitle him to
a license, which shall authorize him to perform the
duties
of his calling,
or he may receive it from a conference.
65No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there
is a regularly
organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;
66but the presiding elders,
traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have
the privilege of
ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.
67Every
president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, high councilor,
and high
priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general
conference.
Members
68The duty of the members after they are received by baptism-
The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning
thisthe
church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of
the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the
elders, so that all things may be done in order.
69And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the
elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that
there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures-walking in
holiness before the Lord.
70Every member of
thisthe
church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before
the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of
the LordJesus Christ, and bless them
in the name of Christin his name.
71No one can be received into
this / who has not arrived tothe
church of Christ
unless he has arrived unto
the years of accountability before God, and
is notis
capable of repentance.
Baptism
72Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who
repent-
73
whosoever beingthe person who is
called of God and
having authority given them of Jesus Christ / them
has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize
, shall go down into the water with
the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling
themhim or her
by name:
Having
authority given me
been commissioned
of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.Amen.
74Then shall he immerse
them
him or her
in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
Sacrament
75It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread
and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;
76and the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he
do
administer
it-
He shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in
mightysolemn
prayer, saying:
77O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ,
to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake
of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness
unto thee, O God, the Eternal
Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and
always
remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they
may always have his Spirit to be with them.Amen.
78The manner of administering the wine-he shall take the cup also, and say:
79O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ,
to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of
it, that they may do it in
remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they
may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember
him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them.Amen.
Record of members
80Any member of
thisthe
church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be
dealt with
according asas
the scriptures direct.
81It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing
thisthe
church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the
several conferences held by the elders of
thisthe
church,
82with a list of the names of the several members uniting themselves
towith
the church since the last conference; or send by the hand of some priest;
so
that there can be keptthat
a regular list of all the
names of the membersnames
of the whole church
may be kept
in a book by one of the elders, whomsoever the other elders shall appoint
from time to time;
83and also, if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names
may be blotted out of the general church record of names.
84All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a
church where they are not known, may take a letter certifying that they
are regular members and in good standing, which certificate may be signed
by any elder or priest if the member
receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest,
or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church.
ORDAINING THE FIRST ELDERS
21
April 6, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 22
1835: 46
HC 1:74-79
HC: Having opened the meeting by solemn prayer to our Heavenly Father, we proceeded, according to
previous commandment, to call on our brethren to know whether they accepted us as their teachers in
the things of the Kingdom of God, and whether they were satisfied that we should proceed and be
organized as a Church according to said commandment which we had received. To these several
propositions they consented by a unanimous vote. I then laid my hands upon Oliver Cowdery, and
ordained him an Elder of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;" after which, he ordained me
also to the office of an Elder of said Church. We then took bread, blessed it, and brake it with them;
also wine, blessed it, and drank it with them. We then laid our hands on each individual member of the
Church present, that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the
Church of Christ. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very great degree-some prophesied,
whilst we all praised the Lord, and rejoiced exceedingly. Whilst yet together, I received the following
commandment:
1
1Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be
called a seer, a
translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church
through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
2being inspired of the Holy
Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most
holy faith.
3Which
church was organized and established in the year of
ouryour
Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth
day of the month which is called April.
4Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words
and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking
in all holiness before me;
5for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience
and
faith.
6For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against
you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before
you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.
7For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of
Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers
I have heard.
8Yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall
mourn for her no longer; for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission
of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings
upon his works.
9For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty
blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through
me by the Comforter,
which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins
of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.
10Wherefore it behooveth me that he should be ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery
mine apostle;
11this being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand,
he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church
of Christ, bearing my name-
12and the first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the
world, yea, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo,
lo! to the Jews also.Amen.
BAPTISM
22
April 16, 1830 - Manchester, New York
1833: 23
1835: 47
HC 1:79-80
BC: A commandment unto the church of Christ, in consequence of some desiring to unite with the
church without re-baptism, who had previously been baptized.
1
1Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done
away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even
that which was from the beginning.
2Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth
him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses,
neither by your dead works.
3For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant
and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.
4Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I
have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God.Amen.
PERSONAL MESSAGES
23
April 1830 - Manchester, New York
1833: 17-21
1835: 45
HC 1:80
HC: The following persons being anxious to know of the Lord what might be their respective duties in
relation to this work, I inquired of the Lord, and received for them the following:
1
1Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed,
and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst
enter into temptation.
2Make
known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world, and thy
heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever.Amen.
3Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy
calling is to exhortation, and to
strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church
forever, and this because of thy family.Amen.
4Behold, I speak a few words unto you, SamuelSamuel Smith; for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the
church; and thou art not as yet
called to preach before the world.Amen.
5Behold, I speak a few words unto you, JosephJoseph Smith, Sr.; for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen
the church; and this is thy duty
from henceforth and forever.Amen.
6Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must
take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world
as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in
all places.
7And, behold, it is your duty to unite
with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually,
that you may receive the reward of the laborer.Amen.
MOSES CHAPTER 1 RECEIVED
June 1830 - Fayette, New York
HC 1:98-101
HC: Amid all the trials and tribulations we had to wade through, the Lord, who well knew our infantile
and delicate situation, vouchsafed for us a supply of strength, and granted us "line upon line of
knowledge-here a little and there a little," of which the following was a precious morsel.
1
FIRST AND SECOND ELDERS
24
July 1830 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 25
1835: 9
HC 1:101-103
HC: Notwithstanding all the rage of our enemies, we had much consolation, and many things occurred
to strengthen our faith and cheer our hearts...Although we at this time were forced to seek safety from
our enemies by flight, yet did we feel confident that eventually we should come off victorious, if we
only continued faithful to Him who had called us forth from darkness into the marvelous light of the
everlasting Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shortly after our return home, we received the following
commandments:
1
1Behold, thou wast called and chosen to write THE
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
and to my ministry; and I have lifted thee up out of thine afflictions,
and have counseled thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies,
and thou hast been delivered from the powers of Satan and from darkness!
2Nevertheless, thou art not excusable in thy
transgressions; nevertheless, go thy way and sin no more.
3Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured
them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette, and
Manchester, and they shall support thee; and I will bless them both spiritually
and temporally;
4but if they receive thee not, I will send upon them a cursing instead
of a blessing.
5And thou shalt continue in calling
upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee
by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church.
6And it shall be given thee in
the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it,
or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing.
7For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt
have strength.
8Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them,
for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
9And in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy
calling. Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify
thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on
of the hands and confirming the churches.
10And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bearing my name before the world,
and also to the church. And he shall not suppose that he can say enough
in my cause; and lo, I am
with him to the end.
11In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, whether in weakness or
in strength, whether in bonds or free;
12and at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare
my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will
give unto him strength such as is not known among men.
13Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils,
healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons;
14and these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them
who desire it, that the scriptures might be
fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written.
15And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not in my
name, ye shall leave a cursing instead of a
blessing, by casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony,
and cleansing your feet by the wayside.
16And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall lay their hands upon you
by violence, ye shall command to be smitten in my name; and, behold, I
will smite them according to your words, in mine own due time.
17And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law.
18And thou shalt take no purse nor scrip, neither staves, neither two coats,
for the church shall give unto thee in the very hour what thou needest
for food and for raiment, and for shoes and for money, and for scrip.
19For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even
for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained, and
they shall do even according to this pattern.Amen.
EMMA SMITH
25
July 1830 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 26
1835: 48
HC 1:103-104
Emma Smith was baptized on June 28, but had not yet been confirmed. As a result of this revelation,
Emma's A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Latter Day Saints was published in 1835.
1
1
Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you,
Emma
Smith
, my
daughter in Ziondaughter
;
for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and
daughters in my kingdom
.
2A revelation I give unto you concerning my will;
and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and
thou shalt receive
an inheritance in Zion.
3Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I
have called.
4Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are
withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time
to come.
5And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant,
Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, thy husband, in his
afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.
6And thou shalt go with him at
the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe,
while there is no one to be a scribe for him
, that I may send
my servant
, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will.
7And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to
exhort the
church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.
8For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy
Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.
9And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee
fromin
the
church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed
unto them,
whatsoever I will, according to their faith.
10And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this
world, and seek for the things of a better.
11And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns,
as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.
12For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the
righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be
answered with a blessing upon their heads.
13Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants
which thou hast made.
14Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul
delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come
untoupon
him.
15Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt
receive. And except thou do this,
where I am you cannot come.
16And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all.Amen.
COMMON CONSENT
26
July 1830 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 27
1835: 49
HC 1:104
A revelation to Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer.
1
1Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the
studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church
at Colesville, and to
performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you
shall go to the west to hold the next conference; and then it shall be
made known what you shall do.
2And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much
prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith.Amen.
SACRAMENT
27
August/September 1830 - Harmony, Pennsylvania
1833: 28
1835: 50
HC 1:106-108
HC: As neither his wife nor mine had been as yet confirmed, it was proposed that we should confirm
them, and partake together of the sacrament, before he and his wife should leave us. In order to
prepare for this, I set out to go to procure some wine for the occasion, but had gone only a short
distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and received the following revelation:
1
August 1830
1Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer,
whose word is quick and powerful.
2For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or
what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that
ye do it
with an eye single to my glory-remembering unto the Father my body which
was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of
your sins.
3Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase
wine neither strong drink of your enemies;
4wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you;
yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.
September 1830
5Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh
that I will
drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with
Moroni, whom I have sent
unto you to reveal the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
containing the fulness of my everlasting
gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of
Ephraim.
6And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to
pass the
restoration of all things, or the restorer of all things spoken by the
mouth of all the holy
prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;
7and also John the son of
Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he
should have a son,
and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of
Elias;
8which John I
have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery,
to ordain you
unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called
and ordained
even as Aaron:
9and
also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of
turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the
children to the
fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse.
10And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers,
by whom the
promises remain;
11and also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all,
the
ancient of days;
12And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by
whom I have
ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses
of my name, and
bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed
unto them;
13unto
whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the
gospel for the
last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together
in one all things,
both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;
14and also with
all those whom my
Father hath given me out of the world.
15Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins,
and take upon you my
whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done
all, that ye may
be able to stand.
16Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the
breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of
peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
17taking the shield of faith
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
18and take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out
upon you, and my
word which I reveal unto you,
And be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me,
and be faithful until I come,
even so
and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also
.Amen.
RECEIVING REVELATIONS FOR THE CHURCH
28
September 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 30
1835: 51
HC 1:109-111
HC: To our great grief, however, we soon found that Satan had been laying in wait to deceive, and
seeking whom he might devour. Brother Hiram Page had in his possession a certain stone, by which he
had obtained certain "revelations" concerning the upbuilding of Zion, the order of the Church, etc., all
of which were entirely at variance with the order of God's house, as laid down in the New Testament,
as well as in our late revelations...Finding that many, especially the Whitmer family and Oliver
Cowdery, were believing much in the things set forth by this stone, we thought best to inquire of the
Lord concerning so important a matter and...we received the following:
1
1Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee that
thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach
them by the Comforter,
concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given.
2But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed
to receive commandments and
revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph
Smith, Jr., for he receiveth them even as Moses.
3And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him,
even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations,
with power and authority unto the church.
4And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or
at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do
it.
5But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;
6and thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of
the church;
7for I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which
are sealed, until I shall appoint unto
himthem
another in his stead.
8And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the Lamanites and
preach my gospel unto them; and
inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt
cause my church to be established among them; and thou shalt have revelations,
but write them not by way of commandment.
9And now, behold, I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth
where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold,
I say
unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.
10Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference; and my servant
Joseph shall be appointed to
rule
preside over
the conference by the voice of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell.
11And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee
alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone
are not of me and that
Satan deceiveth him;
12for, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall
anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church
Articles and Covenantscovenants.
13For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church,
by the prayer of faith.
14And thou shalt
assist to
settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before
thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites.
15And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time
thou shalt return, what thou shalt do.
16And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the
sound of rejoicing.Amen.
GATHERING THE ELECT
29
September 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 29
1835: 10
HC 1:111-115
A revelation to six elders of the church and three members. They understood from Holy Writ that
the time had come that the people of God should see eye to eye, and they seeing somewhat different
upon the death of Adam (that is, his transgression), therefor they made it a subject of prayer and inquired of the Lord. And thus came the word of the Lord through Joseph the Seer.
1
1Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose
arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;
2who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves
before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.
3Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are
forgiven you,
therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils
shall come upon you.
4Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare
my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.
5Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate
with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.
6And, as it is written-Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in
prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.
7And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine
elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
8wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be
gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their
hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and
desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.
9For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe;
and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I
will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be
upon the earth;
10For the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken by mine apostles must
be fulfilled; for as they spoke so shall it come to pass;
11for I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with
all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand
years, and the wicked shall not stand.
12And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a
firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the twelve
which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right
hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes
of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am,
to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept
my commandments, and none else.
13For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as
upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth-yea,
even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and
to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one.
14But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the
sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and
some
the
stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven
above and in the earth beneath;
15and there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men;
16and there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of
the earth.
17And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that
I will take
vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine
indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they
repent
hear me
not.
18Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth,
which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh,
and shall cause maggots to come in upon them;
19and their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me;
and their
flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets;
20and it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls
of the air shall devour them up.
21And the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth,
shall be cast down by
devouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the
prophet, who spoke of these things, which have not come to pass but surely must, as I live,
for abominations shall not reign.
22And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years
are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the
earth but for a little season;
23and the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed
and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth.
24For all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even
the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts,
the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;
25and not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship
of mine hand.
26But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away,
Michael, mine
archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for
their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth-yea, even all.
27And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life;
and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father;
28wherefore I will say unto them, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting
fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."
29And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time have I declared from
mine own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come,
for they have no power.
30But remember that all my
judgments are not given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out
of my mouth
even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that
the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the
word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit.
31For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual
and temporal-
32first spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work;
and
again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my
work-
33speaking unto you that you may naturally understand; but unto myself my
works have no end, neither beginning; but it is given unto you that ye
may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed.
34Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual,
and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither
any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
35Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I
gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him,
for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither
carnal nor sensual.
The fall of the devil
36And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil-for, behold,
the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, "Give me
thine honor, which is my power;" and also a third part of the hosts of
heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;
37and they were thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels;
38and,
behold, there is a place prepared for them from the beginning, which place
is hell.
39And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men,
or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have
bitter they could not know the sweet-
40wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook
of the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became
subject to the will of the
devil, because he yielded unto temptation.
41Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the
Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his
transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first
death, even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual,
which shall be pronounced upon the
wicked when I shall say, "Depart, ye cursed."
42But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, gave unto Adam and unto
his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the
Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and
redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son.
43And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation-that
by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life,
even as many as would
believe on my name
believe
;
44and they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed
from their spiritual fall, because they repent not;
45for they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and
they receive their wages of whom they list to obey.
46But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the
foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;
47wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt
little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;
48for it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure,
that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.
49And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded
to repent?
50And he that has no understanding, it remains in me to do according as
it is written. And now I declare no more unto you at this time.Amen.
WHITMER BROTHERS
30
September 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 31-33
1835: 52
HC 1:115-116
HC: At length our conference assembled. The subject of the stone previously mentioned was discussed,
and after considerable investigation, Brother Page, as well as the whole Church who were present,
renounced the said stone, and all things connected therewith, much to our mutual satisfaction and
happiness...Before we separated we received the following:
1
David Whitmer
1Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied
on me for strength as you ought.
2But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things
of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and
you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over
you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.
3Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder
upon the things which you have received.
4And your home shall be at your father's house, until I give unto you further
commandments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before
the world, and in the regions round about.Amen.
Peter Whitmer
5Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with your
brother Oliver; for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you
shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear not, but give
heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you.
6And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart
unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given
unto him power to build up my church
among your brethren
among
the Lamanites;
7and none have I appointed to be
his counselor
over him in the church,
concerning church matters,
except it is his brother, Joseph
Smith, Jun.
8Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments,
and you shall be blessed unto eternal life.Amen.
John Whitmer
9Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence from
this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump.
10And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burroughs', and in that
region round about, yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command you
to go from hence.
11And your whole labor shall be in
my ZionZion,
with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth
in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you.Amen.
THOMAS MARSH
31
September 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 34
1835: 53
HC 1:116-117
Thomas Marsh lived in Massachusetts and first learned of Joseph Smith during a visit to Palmyra in
1829. He met with Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery and returned home with the first sixteen printed
pages of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON. After learning of the formal organization of the Church of Christ in April
1830, Marsh moved to Palmyra in September.
1
1Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.
2Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless,
I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day comes
that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.
3Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come;
and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of
great joy unto this generation.
4You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph
Smith, Jun
. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the
field which is white already to be burned.
5Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are
forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the
laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.
6Behold, verily I say unto you, go
from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare
a place for them.
7Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you.
And I will establish a church by your hand;
8and you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they
shall be gathered.
9Be patient in
afflictions and in sufferings
afflictions
, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness,
and be steadfast.
10Behold, I say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the church,
but not unto the world, for they will not receive you.
11Go your way
whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what
you shall do and whither you shall go.
12Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.
13Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you.
These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your
Redeemer, by the will of the Father.Amen.
MISSION TO THE LAMANITES
32
October 1830 - Fayette, New York
1835: 54
HC 1:118-120
HC: At this time a great desire was manifested by several of the Elders respecting the remnants of the
house of Joseph, the Lamanites, residing in the west-knowing that the purposes of God were great
respecting that people, and hoping that the time had come when the promises of the Almighty in
regard to them were about to be accomplished, and that they would receive the Gospel, and enjoy its blessings. The desire being so great, it was agreed that we should inquire of the Lord respecting the
propriety of sending some Elders among them, which we accordingly did, and received the following:
1
1And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, behold, I say unto him
that as I live I
will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and
lowly of heart.
2And that which I have appointed unto him is that he shall go with my servants,
Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jun., into the wilderness among the Lamanites.
3And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with them
and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing
shall prevail against them.
4And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other
revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their
understanding.
5And they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless
them.Amen.
MISSION COVENANT
October 17, 1830 - Manchester, New York
JSP
After making this covenant, Oliver Cowdery, Parley Pratt, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitmer left for
Missouri. Stopping in Kirtland, Ohio, they introduced Sidney Rigdon and his congregation to the BOOK
OF MORMON. Sidney's congregation included Parley Pratt, Isaac Morley, Lyman Wight, Edward
Partridge, and Frederick Williams.
1
I, Oliver, being commanded of the Lord God, to go forth unto the Lamanites,
to proclaim glad tidings of great joy unto them, by presenting unto them
the fulness of the Gospel, of the only begotten son of God; and also, to
rear up a pillar as a witness where the temple of God shall be built in
the glorious New Jerusalem; and having certain brothers with me,
who are called of God to assist me, whose names are Parley, Peter, and
Ziba, do therefore most solemnly covenant before God, that I will walk
humbly before him, and do this business, and this glorious work according
as he shall direct me by the Holy Ghost; ever praying for mine and their
prosperity, and deliverance from bonds, and from
imprisonments, and whatsoever may befall us, with all patience and faith.Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY
We, the undersigned, being called and commanded of the Lord God, to accompany
our Brother Oliver Cowdery, to go to the Lamanites, and to assist in the
above mentioned glorious work and business. We do, therefore, most solemnly
covenant before God, that we will assist him faithfully in this thing,
by giving heed unto all his words and advice, which is, or shall be given
him by the spirit of truth, ever praying with all prayer and
supplication, for our and his prosperity, and our deliverance from bonds,
and
imprisonments, and whatsoever may come upon us, with all patience and
faith.Amen.
Signed in presence of Joseph Smith, Jun., David Whitmer
P. P. Pratt
Ziba Peterson
Peter Whitmer
1830-1831 Mission to the Lamanites (source:
josephsmithpapers.org)
EZRA THAYRE AND NORTHROP SWEET
33
October 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 35
1835: 55
HC 1:126-127
Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet had just been baptized a month earlier. Sweet soon left the church to
organize his own.
HC: The Lord, who is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith, gave the following
revelation:
1
1Behold, I say unto you,
Not presentmy servants
Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord
your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two- edged sword,
to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2For verily, verily, I say unto you that ye are called to lift up your
voices as with the sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto a crooked
and perverse generation.
3For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh
hour, and the last time that I shall
call laborers into my vineyard.
4And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which
doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of
priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.
5And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this church have I established
and called forth out of the wilderness.
6And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth,
even as many as will believe
on my namein me, and hearken unto my voice.
7Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to
harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might,
mind, and strength.
8Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as
Nephi of old, who
journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.
9Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves
upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.
10Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying:
Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths
straitstraight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;
11yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for
a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh
the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.
12Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember
that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved;
13and upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and
if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
14And ye shall remember the church articles and covenants to keep them.
15And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on
of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.
16And the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
and the
Bibleholy scriptures
are given of me for your
instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.
17Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and
burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom-
18for behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even
so.Amen.
ORSON PRATT
34
November 4, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 36
1835: 56
HC 1:127-128
HC: Orson Pratt, a young man nineteen years of age, who had been baptized at the first preaching of
his brother, Parley P. Pratt, September 19th, about six weeks previous, came to inquire of the Lord what
his duty was, and received the following answer:
1
1My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall
say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;
2the light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness
and the darkness comprehendeth it not;
3who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would
believe might become the
sons and daughterssons
of God.
Wherefore you are my son;
4and blessed are you because you have believed;
5and more
blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel-
6to lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud,
and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the
way of the Lord for his second coming.
7For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that
I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory.
8And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations
shall tremble.
9But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be
darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse
their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked.
10Wherefore, lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God has spoken;
therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
11And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I come-
12and verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and
your Redeemer. Even so.Amen.
SIDNEY RIGDON
35
December 7, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 37
1835: 11
HC 1:128-131
HC: Sidney Rigdon came to inquire of the Lord; and with him came Edward Partridge; the latter was a
pattern of piety, and one of the Lord's great men. Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren, thus
spake the Lord:
1
1Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday,
and forever.
2I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the
world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the
sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is
one in me, that we may be one.
3Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon
thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a greater
work.
4Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold thou wast sent
forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah which
should come, and thou knewest it not.
5Thou
didst baptize by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy
Ghost;
6but now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water,
and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of
the
hands, even as the apostles of old.
7And it shall come to pass that there shall be a great work in the land,
even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations shall be
made manifest in the eyes of all people.
8For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles,
signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name.
9And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith,
they shall cast out devils;
they shall heal the sick;
they shall cause the blind to receive their sight,
and the deaf to hear,
and the dumb to speak,
and the lame to walk.
10And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto
the children of men;
11but without faith shall not anything be shown forth except desolations
upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of
the wrath of her fornication.
12And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive
the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation.
13Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned
and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;
14and their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler;
and I will gird up their loins, and they shall
fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and
I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation
will I preserve them.
15And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and
they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at
hand-
16and they shall learn the parable of the fig tree, for even now already
summer is nigh.
17And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant
Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him;
18and I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which
have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world,
and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming,
if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead.
19Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given
by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.
20And a commandment I give unto thee-that thou shalt write for him; and
the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the
salvation of mine own elect;
21for they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep,
and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even
as I am pure.
22And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and he shall journey with you;
forsake him not, and surely these things shall be fulfilled.
23And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold, it shall
be given unto him to prophesy; and thou shalt preach my gospel and call
on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.
24Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound; and I will
cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion
shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish;
25and Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which
I have given shall they be led, and no more be
confoundedcondemned
at all.
26Lift
up
your hearts and be glad, your redemption draweth nigh.
27Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come
quickly. Even so.Amen.
EDWARD PARTRIDGE
36
December 9, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 38
1835: 57
HC 1:131
HC: And the voice of the Lord to Edward Partridge was:
1
1Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto
you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven
you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump;
2and I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon,
and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which
shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;
3and you shall
declare it with a loud voice, saying, "Hosanna, blessed be the name of
the most high God."
4And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all men-
5that as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph
Smith, Jun., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained
and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations-
6crying repentance, saying:
Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the
fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.
7And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that
every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained
and sent forth, even as I have spoken.
8I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I
will suddenly come to my temple. Even so.Amen.
MOSES CHAPTER 7 RECEIVED
December, 1830
HC 1:133-139
HC: The Lord greatly encouraged and strengthened the faith of His little flock, which had embraced the
fulness of the everlasting Gospel, as revealed to them in the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, by giving some more
extended information upon the Scriptures, a translation of which had already commenced. Much
conjecture and conversations frequently occurred among the Saints, concerning the books mentioned,
and referred to, in various places in the Old and New Testaments, which were now nowhere to be
found. The common remark was, "They are lost books;" but it seems the Apostolic Church had some of
these writings, as Jude mentions or quotes the Prophecy of Enoch, the seventh from Adam. To the joy
of the little flock ... did the Lord reveal the following doings of olden times, from the prophecy of Enoch.
1
GO TO THE OHIO
37
December 30, 1830 - Fayette, New York
1833: 39
1835: 58
HC 1:139
HC: Soon after the words of Enoch were given, the Lord gave the following commandment:
1
1Behold, I say unto you that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate
any more until ye shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy and
for your sakes.
2And
again, I say unto you that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel
in those parts, and have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is
found, and more especially in Colesville; for, behold, they pray unto me
in much faith.
3And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient
in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time
that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.
4Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come.
Even so.Amen.
EXPLAINING 1 CORINTHIANS 7:14
74
Late 1830 - Wayne County, New York
1835: 73
HC 1:242
This verse had been historically used to justify infant baptism.
1
1 Corinthians 7:14
1For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving
wife is
sanctified by the husband; else were your children unclean, but now are
they holy.
2Now, in the days of the apostles the law of circumcision was had among
all the Jews who believed not the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3And it came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people
concerning the law of circumcision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous
that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the
law of Moses, which law was fulfilled.
4And it came to pass that the children, being brought up in subjection
to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed
not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy.
5Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto
them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should
not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done
away among them,
6that their
children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might
be done away, which saith that little children are unholy; for it was had
among the Jews;
7but little
children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ;
and this is what the scriptures mean.
LOOK TO THE POOR AND THE NEEDY
38
January 2, 1831 - Fayette, New York
1833: 40
1835: 12
HC 1:140-143
HC: The year 1831 opened with a prospect great and glorious for the welfare of the kingdom for on the
2nd
of January, 1831, a conference was held in the town of Fayette, New York, at which the ordinary
business of the Church was transacted; and in addition, the following revelation was received:
A commandment to the churches in New York at a conference; they being commanded to flee,
saying:
1
1Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I Am, Alpha
and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide
expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world
was made;
2the same which knows all things, for all things are present before mine
eyes;
3I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came
by me.
4I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom;
and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ,
and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt,
have I pleaded before the Father for them.
5But behold, the residue of the wicked have I kept in chains of darkness
until the judgment of the great day, which shall come at the end of the
earth;
6and even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my
voice but harden their hearts, and wo, wo, wo, is their doom.
7But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you.
I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;
8but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for
the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall
not abide the day.
9Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold, the kingdom is
yours, and the enemy shall not overcome.
10Verily I say unto you, ye are clean, but not all; and there is none else
with whom I am well pleased;
11for all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail
upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts
of heaven-
12which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the
angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather
the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined.
13And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers,
to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew
it not;
14but now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity,
neither your hearts of unbelief; for
verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your
weakness.
15Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is
yours.
16And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard
your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have
I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons.
17And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool, wherefore,
again I will stand upon it.
18And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land
of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon
which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh;
19and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek
it with all your hearts.
20And this shall be my
covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance,
and for the
inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and
ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.
21But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler,
for I will be your king and watch over you.
22Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people,
and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver,
and what can stay my hand?
23But, verily I say unto you, teach one another according to the office
wherewith I have appointed you;
24and let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and
holiness before me.
25And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself.
26For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them,
and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one, "Be thou clothed
in robes and sit thou here;" and to the other, "Be thou clothed in rags
and sit thou there," and looketh
upon his sons and saith I am just?
27Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am.
I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.
28And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh
your lives.
29Ye
hear of wars in far countries, and you say
in your heartsthat
there will soon be great wars in far
countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
30I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up
wisdom in your bosoms, lest the
wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in
a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which
shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
31And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto
me a righteous people, without spot and blameless-
32wherefore, for this
cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and
there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with
power from on high;
33and from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and
it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid
up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever
I will, and no power shall stay my hand.
34And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain
men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice
of the church;
35and they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their
relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which
I have commanded them;
36and this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of
this church.
37And they that have farms that cannot be sold, let them be left or rented
as seemeth them good.
38See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power
from on high and
are sentsent
forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church.
39And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto
you, ye shall be the
richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it
must needs be that the
riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become
as the Nephites of old.
40And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man,
both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with
the labor of his hands, to
prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.
41And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor,
in mildness and in meekness.
42And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that
bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so.Amen.
JAMES COVEL: CALLED TO PREACH
39
January 5, 1831 - Fayette, New York
1833: 41
1835: 59
HC 1:143-145
HC: Not long after this conference of the 2nd of January closed, there was a man came to me by the
name of James Covel, who had been a Baptist minister for about forty years, and covenanted with the
Lord that he would obey any command that the Lord would give him through me, as His servant, and I
received the following:
1
1Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all
eternity, the Great I Am, even Jesus Christ-
2the light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in
darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;
3the same which came in the meridian of time unto mine own, and mine own
received me not;
4but to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons; and even
so will I give unto as many as will receive me,
power to become my sons.
5And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth
me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me.
6And this is my gospel-repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh
the baptism of fire and the
Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth
the peaceable things of the kingdom.
7And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant James, I have looked upon
thy works and I know thee.
8And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this
time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head;
9nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many
times because of pride and the cares of the world.
10But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come,
if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee:
Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and
you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have
known.
11And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a greater work. Thou shalt
preach the
fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth in these last days, the
covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the
house of Israel.
12And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt
have great faith, and I will be with thee and go before thy face.
13Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and
to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.
14Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art not called to go into
the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio.
15And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have
kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men,
and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall
go forth into all nations.
16Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon
me in much
faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but
I cannot deny my word.
17Wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard,
that it may be pruned for the last time.
18And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the
fulness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in
judgment.
19Wherefore, go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying, "The kingdom of
heaven is at hand;" crying, "Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High
God."
20Go forth
baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming;
21for the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely
shall come.
22And he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered
unto me in time and in eternity.
23And again, it shall come to pass that on as many as ye shall baptize with
water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming, and
shall know me.
24Behold, I come quickly. Even so.Amen.
JAMES COVEL: BREAKING THE COVENANT
40
January 6, 1831 - Fayette, New York
1833: 42
1835: 60
HC 1:145
HC: As James Covel rejected the word of the Lord, and returned to his former principles and people,
the Lord gave unto me and Sidney Rigdon the following revelation, explaining why he obeyed not the
word:
1
1Behold, verily I say unto you, that
his heartthe heart of my servant James Covel
was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word.
2And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted
him; and the fear of persecution and the
cares of the world caused him to reject the word.
3Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him
as seemeth me good.Amen.
BISHOP OF ZION
41
February 4, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 43
1835: 61
HC 1:146-147
HC: The branch of the Church in this part of the Lord's vineyard...were striving to do the will of God, so
far as they knew it, though some strange notions and false spirits had crept in among them. With a
little caution and some wisdom, I soon assisted the brethren and sisters to overcome them. The plan of
"common stock," which had existed in what was called "the family," whose members generally had
embraced the everlasting Gospel, was readily abandoned for the more perfect law of the Lord; and the
false spirits were easily discerned and rejected by the light of revelation. The Lord gave unto the
Church the following:
1
1Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom
I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me;
and ye that hear me not will I
curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings.
2Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto
you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree
upon my word;
3and by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know
how to govern my
church and have all things right before me.
4And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly, and
ye shall see that my law is kept.
5He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he
that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple,
and shall be cast out from among you;
6for it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the
kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the
pearls to be cast before swine.
7And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., should have
a house built, in which to live and translate.
8And again, it is meet that my servant Sidney Rigdon should
have a comfortable room to live inlive as seemeth him good, inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments.
9And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge; and I give a commandment,
that he should be appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a
bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time
in the labors of the church;
10to see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him in my laws in the
day that I shall give them.
11And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael
of old, in whom
there is no guile.
12These words are given unto you, and they are pure before me; wherefore,
beware how you hold them, for they are to be answered upon your souls in
the day of judgment. Even so.Amen.
LAWS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
42
February 9 & 23, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 44 & 47
1835: 13
HC 1:148-154
HC: On the 9th of February, 1831, at Kirtland, in the presence of twelve Elders, and according to the
promise heretofore made [D&C 38:32], the Lord gave the following revelation, embracing the law of
the Church:
1
February 9, 1831
The Laws of the Church of Christ, received in Kirtland, Geauga County, State of
Ohio, in the presence of twelve elders.
1st: Shall the Church come together into one place or continue in separate establishments?
1Hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together
in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Savior of
the world; inasmuch as ye believe on my name and keep my commandments.
2Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall
give unto you.
3For verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves together according to
the commandment wherewith I commanded you, and
are agreed as touching this one thing, and have asked
methe Father
in my name, even so ye shall receive.
4Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment,
that ye shall go forth in my name, every one of you, excepting my servants
Joseph
Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.
5And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little
season, and it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall
return.
6And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel,
two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump,
declaring my word like unto angels of God.
7And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying, "Repent ye, repent
ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
8And from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward; and inasmuch
as ye shall find
my disciplesthem that will receive you
ye shall build up my church in every region-
9until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you
from on high, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that
ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your
God.
10And again, I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand
in the office whereunto I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass,
that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so.Amen.
2nd: The law regulating the Church in her present situation till the time of her gathering.
11Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth
to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by
someone who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority
and has been regularly ordained by the
handsheads
of the church.
12And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the
scripturesprinciples of my gospel,
which are in the BIBLE and the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
in the which is the fulness of the gospel.
13And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and
these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.
14
which shall be given themAnd the Spirit shall be given unto you
by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not
teach.
15And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your
teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given.
16And as ye shall lift up your voices by the
Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good;
17for, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the
Father and of the Son.
18And now, behold, I speak unto the church.
Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this
world, nor in the world to come.
19And again,
I say,
thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.
20Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be
cast out.
21Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.
22Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her
and none else.
23And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith,
and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
24Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth
not, shall be cast out.
25But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and
forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;
26but if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast
out.
27Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.
28Thou knowest my laws
theyconcerning these things
are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be
cast out.
Remember the poor
29If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.
30And behold, thou
shalt / allwilt remember the poor, and
consecrate
of
thy properties
for their support
that
which thou hast
unto meto impart unto them,
with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
31
And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do
it unto me;
and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and
his counselors, two of the elders,
or high priests,
such as he shall appoint
or has appointed
and set apart for that purpose.
32And it shall come to pass, that
after they are laid before
the bishop of my church,
and
after that he has received
these testimonies concerning the consecration of the
properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church,
agreeable to my
commandments,
every man
shall be made accountable unto me,
a steward over his own property, or that which he has received
by consecration
, inasmuch as is sufficient for himself and family.
And the residue
33And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or
any individuals of it,
more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration,
which is a residue to
be consecrated unto the bishop, it
shall be kept to administer to
him who has notthose who have not, from time to time, that every man
who has need
may
be amply supplied and
receive according
to his wants
.
34
as he stands in need. AndTherefore,
the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor
and the needy, as shall be appointed by the
elders
high council
of the church, and the bishop
and his council
;
35and for the purpose of purchasing lands
for the public benefit of
the church, and building houses of worship,
and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed-
36that my covenant people may be gathered in one in
the day thatthat day when
I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people.
37And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and repenteth not shall
be cast out
of the church,
and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto
methe poor and the
needy of my church, or in other words, unto me-
38for inasmuch as ye do it unto the least
of these, ye do it unto me.
39For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets
shall be fulfilled; for I will consecrate
of
the riches of
those who embrace my
gospel among
the Gentiles unto
the poor of
my people who are of the house of Israel.
40And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments
be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands;
41and let all things be done in
cleanliness before me.
42Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor
wear the garments of the laborer.
43And whosoever among you
that areare
sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished
in / of the worldwith
all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not
by the hand of an enemy.
44And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall
pray for and
lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto
me, and if they live they shall live unto me.
45Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the
loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope
of a glorious resurrection.
46And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of
death, for it shall be sweet
unto them;
47and they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.
48And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed,
and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.
49He who hath faith to see shall see.
50He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
51The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
52And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have
power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt
bear their infirmities.
53Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship.
54Thou shalt not take thy brother's garment; thou shalt pay for that which
thou shalt receive of thy brother.
55And if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou
shalt give it into my storehouse, that all things may be done according
to that which I have
spokensaid.
56Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed,
and
for thy safety
for thy salvation thou shalt hold thy peacethey shall be preserved in safety;
57and
it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them,
and not teach
them until ye have received them in full.
58And I give unto you a
commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men;
and they also
for they
shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
59Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which
thou knowest to have been my law
have been given unto thee in
my scriptures for a law,
to be my law to govern my church;
60and he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that
doeth them not shall be damned if he so continueth.
61If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge
upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and
the peaceable things of the kingdompeaceable things
-that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
62Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time
where the New Jerusalem shall be built.
63And behold, it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent
both
forth
to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south.
64And even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be
converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is
to come
coming
on the earth, and of secret combinations.
65Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward;
thou shalt observe to keep the mysteries of the kingdom unto thyself, for it is not given to the world to know the mysteries.
for unto you it
is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom but unto the world it is
not given to know
them.
66
These laws which ye have received are sufficient for you
The laws which ye have received and shall hereafter receive shall be sufficient for you
Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful.
67And ye shall hereafter
receive church covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you,
both here and in the New Jerusalem.
68Therefore, he that lacks
knowledgewisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and
upbraid him not.
69Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom,
has
or in other
words, the keys of the church have
been given. Even so.Amen.
3rd: How are the Elders to dispose of their families while they are proclaiming
repentance or are otherwise engaged in the service of the church?
70The priests and teachers shall have their
stewardships given them
stewardships
, even as the members.
71And the elders
or high priests who
are
appointed
to assist the bishop
as counselors
in all things,
and he is to see that
are to have
their families
are supported / Lordsupported
out of the property which is consecrated to the
bishop,
for
the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;
72or they are to receive
a just remuneration for all their services,
either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best
or decided
by the
elderscounselors
and bishop.
4th: How far it is the will of the Lord that we should have dealings with
the world and how we should conduct our dealings with them?
Thou shalt contract not debts with the world, except thou art commanded.
And again, the elders and bishop, shall counsel together, and they shall
do by the direction of the Spirit as it must needs be necessary.
5th: What preparations we shall make for our Brethren from the East and when and how?
There shall be as many appointed as must needs be necessary to assist
the bishop in obtaining places for the brethren from New York, that they
may be together as much as can be, and as they are directed by the Holy
Spirit; and every family shall have a place,
that they may live by themselves. And every church shall be organized
in as close bodies as they can be;
in consequence of the enemyand this for a wise purpose. Even so.Amen.
73And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration
for all his services in the church.
February 23, 1831
Verses 74-77 appear after verse 93 in both
and
.How to act in cases of adultery
74Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever persons among you, having
put away their companions for the cause of fornication, or in other words,
if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is
the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you;
75but if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the
sake of adultery, and they themselves are the offenders, and their companions
are living, they shall be cast out from among you.
76And again, I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and careful,
with all inquiry, that ye receive none such among you if they are married;
77and if they are not married, they shall repent of all their sins or ye
shall not receive them.
How the Elders of the church of Christ are to act upon the points of the law given by
Jesus Christ to the church in the presence of twelve elders February 9, 1831, as agreed
upon by seven elders February 23, 1831, according to the commandment of God.
The first commandment in the law teaches that all the Elders shall go unto the regions
westward and labor to build up churches unto Christ wheresoever they shall find any to
receive them and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ; except Joseph, and Sidney Rigdon, and
Edward Partridge, and such as the Bishop shall appoint to assist him in his duties
according to the law which we have received. This commandment, as far as it respects
these Elders to be sent to the west, is a special one for the time being incumbent on the
present Elders who shall return when directed by the Holy Spirit.
78And again
, every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to
keep all the commandments and covenants of the church.
79And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they
shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land;
for remember that he hath no
forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.
80And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he
or she
shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word
shall be established against him
or her
by two witnesses of the church, and not of the
world
enemy
; but if there are more than two
witnesses it is better.
81But he
or she
shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall
lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands
against him
or her
, that they may be dealt with according to the law
of God
.
82And if it
can be, it is necessary that the bishop be present also.
83And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you.
84And if a man
or woman
shall rob, he
or she
shall be delivered up unto the law
of the land.
85And if he
or she
shall steal, he
or she
shall be delivered up unto the law
of the land
.
86And if he
or she shall
lie, he
or she
shall be delivered up unto the law
of the land
.
87And if he
or she
do any manner of iniquity, he
or she
shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God.
88And if thy brother
or sister
offend thee, thou shalt take him
or her
between him
or her
and thee alone; and if he
or she
confess thou shalt be reconciled.
89And if he
or she
confess not
thou shalt take another with thee, and then if he confess not thou shalt deliver
thou shalt deliver
him
or her
up unto the church, not to the members, but to the
elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world.
90And if thy brother
or sister
offend many, he
or she
shall be chastened before many.
91And if any one offend openly, he
or she
shall be rebuked openly, that he
or she
may be ashamed. And if he
or she
confess not, he
or she
shall be delivered up unto the law
of God
.
92If any shall offend in secret, he
or she
shall be rebuked in secret, that he
or she
may have opportunity to confess in secret to him
or her
whom he
or she
has offended, and to God, that the
brethrenchurch
may not speak reproachfully of him
or her.
93And thus shall ye conduct in all things.
COMMANDMENTS AND REVELATIONS
43
February 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 45
1835: 14
HC 1:154-156
HC: A woman came making great pretensions of revealing commandments, laws, and other curious
matters; and almost every person has advocates for both theory and practice in the various notions
and projects of the age, it became necessary to inquire of the Lord, when I received the following:
1
1O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give ear to the words which I shall
speak unto you.
2For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment
for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to
receive commandments and revelations from my hand.
3And this ye shall know assuredly-that there is none other appointed unto
you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide
in me.
4But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed
unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he
shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead.
5And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of
any that shall come before you as revelations or
commandments;
6and this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know
they are not of me.
7For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in
at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations
which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.
8And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled
together ye shall
note with a pen / for my church
instruct and edify each other, that ye may know
how to act and
direct my church, how
to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9And thus
it shall become a law unto you, being / that
ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be
sanctified by that which ye have received,
and
ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me-
10that
inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have
received. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which
ye have received.
11Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you; sanctify yourselves before me;
12and if ye desire the glories of the kingdom, appoint ye my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, and uphold him before me by the prayer of faith.
13And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom,
provide for him food and raiment, and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish
the work wherewith I have commanded him;
14and if ye do it not he shall remain unto them that have received him,
that I may reserve unto myself a pure people before me.
15Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed:
Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the
things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;
16and ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall
be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.
17Hearken ye, for, behold, the great day of the Lord is nigh at hand.
18For the day cometh that the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven;
the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble, and the trump of God
shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the
sleeping nations, "Ye saints arise and live; ye sinners stay and sleep
until I shall call again."
19Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found among the wicked.
20Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both
old and young, both bond and free, saying:
Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord;
21for if I, who am a man, do lift up my voice and call upon you to repent,
and ye hate me, what will ye say when the day cometh when the thunders
shall utter their voices from the ends of the earth, speaking
in
to
the ears of all that live, saying, "Repent, and prepare for the great
day of the Lord"?
22Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto
the west, and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live, and make
the ears of all tingle that hear, saying these words, "Repent ye, for the
great day of the Lord is come"?
23And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven, saying:
Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who
made you.
24O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!
25How oft have I called
upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels,
and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice
of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes,
and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every
kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment,
and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and
honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an
everlasting salvation, but ye would not!
26Behold, the day has come, when the cup of the wrath of mine indignation
is full.
27Behold, verily I say unto you, that these are the words of the Lord your
God.
28Wherefore, labor ye, labor ye in my vineyard for the last time-for the
last time call
upon the inhabitants of the earth.
29For in mine own due time will I come upon the earth
in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on
earth.
30For the great Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants,
shall come.
31For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign
for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth.
32And he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling
of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire.
33And the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire, and their end no
man knoweth on earth, nor ever shall know, until they come before me in
judgment.
34Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the
world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities
of eternity rest upon your minds.
35Be sober. Keep all my commandments. Even so.Amen.
ELDERS TO ASSEMBLE
44
February 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 46
1835: 62
HC 1:157
HC: The latter part of February I received the following revelation, which caused the Church to appoint
a conference to be held early in the month of June ensuring:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient in me
that the elders of my church should be called together, from the east and
from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some
other way.
2And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise
faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the
day that they assemble themselves together.
3And it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round
about, and preach repentance unto the people.
4And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize
yourselves according to the laws of man;
5that your enemies may not have power over you; that you may be preserved
in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond
may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people.
6Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and
administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may
be done according to my law which ye have received.Amen.
COMING OF THE SON OF MAN
45
March 7, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 48
1835: 15
HC 1:158-163
HC: At this age of the Church, many false reports, lies, and foolish stories, were published in the
newspapers, and circulated in every direction, to prevent people from investigating the work, or
embracing the faith...But to the joy of the Saints who had to struggle against everything that prejudice
and wickedness could invent, I received the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given;
hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who
made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were
made which live, and move, and have a being.
2And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you;
in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest
ended, and your souls not saved.
3Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your
case
cause
before him,
4saying:
Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom
thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the
blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5wherefore, Father, spare these my
brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have
everlasting life.
6Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and
hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts;
7for verily I say unto you that I am
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of
the world-a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth
it not.
8I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as
received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of
God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain
eternal life.
9And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be
a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles
to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way
before me.
10Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as
with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning.
11Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdom-the
wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren,
12who were separated from the earth, and were
reserved
received
unto myself-a city reserved until a day of
righteousness shall come-a day which was sought for by all holy men, and
they found it not because of wickedness and abominations;
13and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth;
14but obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh.
15Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you
and prophesy, as unto men in days of old.
Signs of second coming
16And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood
before them in the flesh, and spake unto them, saying:
As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when
I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises
that I have made unto your fathers,
17for as ye have looked upon the long absence of your spirits from your
bodies to be a bondage, I will show unto you how the day of redemption
shall come, and also the restoration of the scattered Israel.
18And now ye behold this temple which is in Jerusalem, which ye call the
house of God, and your enemies say that this house shall never fall.
19But, verily I say unto you, that desolation shall come upon this generation
as a thief in the night, and this people shall be destroyed and scattered
among all nations.
20And this temple which ye now see shall be thrown down that there shall
not be left one stone upon another.
21And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass
away until every
desolation which I have told you concerning them shall come to pass.
22Ye say that ye know that the end of the world cometh; ye say also that
ye know that the heavens and the earth shall pass away;
23and in this ye say truly, for so it is; but these things which I have
told you shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled.
24And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall
come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations;
25but they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
26And in that day shall be
heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion,
and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth
his coming until the end of the earth.
27And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.
28And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth
among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;
29but they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn
their hearts from me because of the
precepts of men.
30And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
31And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass
until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness
shall cover the land.
32But my
disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among
the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.
33And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations;
yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the
sword, one against another, and they will kill one another.
34And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they
were troubled.
35And I said unto them:
Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may
know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.
36And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like
unto a parable which I will show you-
37Ye look and behold the fig trees, and ye see them with your eyes, and
ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender,
that summer is now nigh at hand;
38even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things,
then shall they know that the hour is nigh.
39And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth
for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming
of the Son of Man.
40And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in
the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.
41And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.
42And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened,
and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.
43And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;
44and then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall
see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with
all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.
45But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump,
and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.
46Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold
me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall
live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come
forth from the four quarters of the earth.
47Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations.
48And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave
in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens
also shall shake.
49And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall
hear it; and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed
shall see their folly.
50And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner shall be consumed;
and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into
the fire.
51And then shall the Jews look upon me and say, "What are these wounds in
thine hands and in thy feet?"
52Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them, "These
wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son
of God."
53And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they
lament because they persecuted their king.
54And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no
law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable
for them.
55And Satan shall be bound, that he shall have no place in the hearts of
the children of men.
56And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled
which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
57For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the
Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived-verily I say unto
you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide
the day.
58And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall
multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin
unto salvation.
59For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them,
and he will be their king and their lawgiver.
Command to translate the New Testament
60And now, behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know
any further
than this
concerning this chapter
, until the New Testament be translated, and in it all these things shall
be made known;
61wherefore I give unto you that ye may now translate it, that ye may be
prepared for the things to come.
Zion
62For verily I say unto you, that great things await you;
63ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but, behold, I say unto you, they are
nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars
in your own lands.
64Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, gather ye out
from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves together ye elders of my
church; go ye forth into the western countries, call upon the inhabitants
to repent, and inasmuch as they do
repent, build up churches unto me.
65And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may
purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you.
66And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge,
a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
67and the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also
shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it
shall be called Zion.
68And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not
take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
69And there shall be gathered
unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people
that shall not be at war one with another.
70And it shall be said among the wicked, "Let us not go up to battle against
Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand."
71And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from
among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting
joy.
72And now I say unto you, keep these things from going abroad unto the world
until it is expedient in me, that ye may accomplish this work in the eyes
of the people, and in the eyes of your enemies, that they may not know
your works until ye have accomplished the thing which I have commanded
you;
73that when they shall know it, that they may consider these things.
74For when the Lord shall appear he shall be terrible unto them, that fear
may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble.
75And all nations shall be afraid because of the terror of the Lord, and
the power of his might. Even so.Amen.
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
46
March 8, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 49
1835: 16
HC 1:163-165
HC: The next day after the above was received, I also received the following revelation, relative to the
gifts of the Holy Ghost:
1
1Hearken, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these
things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning.
2But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been
given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be,
to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public
meetings, which are held before the world.
4Ye are also commanded not to cast anyone who belongeth to the church out
of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have
trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation.
5And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament
meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdom-I speak this concerning
those who are not of the church.
6And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that
if there be any that are not of the
church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast
them out.
7But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally;
and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should
do in all holiness of heart,
walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing
all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by
evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some
are of men, and others of devils.
The best gifts
8Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived
seek ye
earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
9for verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who
love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that
all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for
a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
10And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember,
and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto
the church.
11For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts,
and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited
thereby.
13To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might
have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences
of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as
the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children
of men.
16And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities
of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit
may be given to every man to profit withal.
17And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God,
the word of wisdom.
18To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be
wise and to have knowledge.
19And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20and to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
22and to others it is given to prophesy;
23and to others the discerning of spirits.
24And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25and to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of
God.
27And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint
and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are
to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall
be any among you professing and yet be not of God.
28And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive
in Spirit;
29that unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may
be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.
30He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore
it is done even as he asketh.
31And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ,
whatsoever you do in the Spirit;
32and ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing
ye are blessed with.
33And ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so.Amen.
JOHN WHITMER - CHURCH HISTORIAN
47
March 8, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 50
1835: 63
HC 1:166
HC: The same day that I received the foregoing revelation, I also received the following, setting apart
John Whitmer as a historian, inasmuch as he is faithful.
In
John Whitmer is in second person and Joseph is in third person.
1
1Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep
a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all
things which shall be given you,
until he is called to further duties.
2Again, verily I say unto you that he can also lift
up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.
3And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep
the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed
to another office.
4Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter,
to write these things. Even so.Amen.
PURCHASING LAND
48
March 10, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 51
1835: 64
HC 1:116-167
HC: Upon inquiry how the brethren should act in regard to purchasing lands to settle upon, and where
they should finally make a permanent location, I received the following:
1
1It is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places
of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circumstances.
2And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to
the eastern brethren;
3and inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in
those regions round about, as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary
that they have places to live for the present time.
4It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and
that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be
enabled to purchase land for an inheritance, even the city.
5The place is not yet to be revealed; but after your brethren
come from the east there are to be certain men appointed, and to them
it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed.
6And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement
to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye begin to be gathered
with your families, every man according to his family, according to his
circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the
bishop and elders
presidency and the bishop
of the church, according to the laws and commandments
which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so.Amen.
THE SHAKERS
49
March 7, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 52
1835: 65
HC 1:167-169
HC: At about this time came Leman Copley, one of the sect called Shaking Quakers, and embraced the
fulness of the everlasting Gospel, apparently honest-hearted, but still retaining the idea that the
Shakers were right in some particulars of their faith. In order to have more perfect understanding on
the subject, I inquired of the Lord, and received the following:
1
1Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and Parley, and Leman; for behold,
verily I say unto you, that I give unto you a commandment that you shall
go and preach my gospel which ye have received, even as ye have received
it, unto the Shakers.
2Behold, I say unto you, that they desire to know the truth in part, but
not all, for they are not right before me and must needs repent.
3Wherefore, I send you, my servants Sidney and Parley, to preach the gospel
unto them.
4And my servant Leman shall be ordained unto this work, that he may reason
with them, not according to that which he has received of them, but according
to that which shall be taught him by you my servants; and by so doing I
will
bless him, otherwise he shall not prosper.
5Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son
into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he
that receiveth him shall be
saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned-
6and they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed; and he has
taken his power on the right hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the
heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies
under his feet, which time is nigh at hand-
7I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth,
neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.
8Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except
those which I
have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of.
9Wherefore, I say unto you that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant,
even that which was from the beginning.
10And that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of
the earth shall bow to it; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down,
for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power.
11Wherefore, I give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people,
and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter:
12Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to
come, the beginning and the end;
13repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy
commandment, for the remission of sins;
14and whoso doeth this shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the
elders of the church.
15And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not
ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.
16Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall
be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation;
17and that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his
creation before the world was made.
18And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the
same, is not ordained of God;
19for, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that
which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and
for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
20But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another,
wherefore the world lieth in sin.
21And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath
no need.
22And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son of Man cometh not in the
form of a woman, neither of a man traveling on the earth.
23Wherefore, be not deceived, but continue in steadfastness, looking forth
for the heavens to be shaken, and the earth to
tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man, and for the valleys to
be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low, and for the rough places
to become smooth-and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet.
24But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish
in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose.
25Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and
shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed.
26Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all
your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto
you.
27Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your
midst, and you shall not be confounded.
28Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so.Amen.
DETECTING FALSE SPIRITS
50
May 9, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 53
1835: 17
HC 1:170-173
HC: In May, a number of Elders being present, and not understanding different spirits abroad in the
earth, I inquired and received from the Lord the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to the voice of the living
God; and
attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according
as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits
which have gone abroad in the earth.
2Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false
spirits,
which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world.
3And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.
4Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations
in the church that profess my name.
5But blessed are they
who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall
inherit eternal life.
6But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the
Lord, I will bring them to judgment.
7Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have
deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall
be reclaimed;
8but the
hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in
death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church,
for the same are overcome of the world.
9Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth
and righteousness before me.
Receiving the Spirit of truth
10And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church,
and let us reason together, that ye may understand;
11let us reason even as a man reasons one with another face to face.
12Now, when a man reasons he is understood of man, because he
reasons as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that you may
understand.
13Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question-unto what were ye ordained?
14To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth
to teach the truth.
15And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received
them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?
16Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves;
nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter
shall be made strong.
17Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach
the word of
truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doeth he preach it by
the Spirit of truth or some other way?
18And if it be by some other way it is not of God.
19And again, he that
receiveth the word of truth, doeth he receive it by the Spirit of truth
or some other way?
20If it be some other way it is not of God.
21Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that
receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached
by the Spirit of truth?
22Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another,
and both are edified and rejoice together.
23And that which doeth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
24That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth
in
God, receiveth more light; and that light grows brighter and brighter
until the perfect day.
25And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth,
that you may chase darkness from among you;
26he that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be
the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.
27Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto
him, both in
heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power,
sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.
28But no man is possessor of all things
except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.
29And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever
you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.
30But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; and as ye are
appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you.
31Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested
that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask
of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit,
then you may know that it is not of God.
32And it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall
proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God-
33not with railing accusation, that ye be not
overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith.
34He that
receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that
he is accounted of God worthy to receive.
35And by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and
which ye shall hereafter receive-and the kingdom is given you of the Father,
and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him-
36and behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are now hearing
these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven
you.
37Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I am well pleased, and my servant
Parley P. Pratt go forth among the churches and strengthen them by the
word of exhortation;
38and also my servant John Corrill, or as many of my servants as are ordained
unto this office, and let them labor in the vineyard; and let no man hinder
them doing that which I have appointed unto them-
39wherefore, in this thing my servant Edward Partridge is not justified;
nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven.
40Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must
grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.
41Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world,
and you are of them that my Father hath given me;
42and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.
43And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me;
and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.
44Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd,
and the stone of
Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall
.
45And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that
I am.
46Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even so.Amen.
DIRECTIONS FOR THE BISHOP
51
May 20, 1831 - Thompson, Ohio
1835: 23
HC 1:173-174
HC: Not long after the foregoing was received, the Saints from the State of New York began to come
on, and it seemed necessary to settle them; therefore at the solicitation of Bishop Partridge, I inquired,
and received the following:
1
1Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant
Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must needs be that
he receive directions
how to organize this people.
2For it must needs be that they be organized according to my laws; if otherwise,
they will be cut off.
Wherefore let my servant Edward receive the properties of this people which have
covenanted with me to obey the law which I have given. And let my servant Edward
receive the money as it shall be laid before him according to the covenant and go and
obtain a deed or article of this land unto himself, for I have appoint him to receive these
things. And thus through him the properties of this church shall be covenanted unto me.
3Wherefore, let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has chosen,
in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their portions, every
man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his
wants and needs.
4And let my servant
Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him
a writing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall hold it,
of the church
even this right and this inheritance
in the church
, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the
church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to
the church.
5
And
if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church,
he shall not
have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop
for the poor
and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall
only have claim
on that portion that is deeded unto him.
6And thus all things shall be made sure, according to the laws of the land.
7And let that which belongs to this people be appointed unto this people.
8And the money which is left unto this people-let there be an agent appointed
unto this people, to take the money to provide food and raiment, according
to the wants of this people.
9And let every
man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike,
that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.
10And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto
that of another church.
11Wherefore, if another church would receive money of this church, let them
pay unto this church again according as they shall agree;
12and this shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be
appointed by the voice of the church.
13And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let
all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for
the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop.
14And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants
of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business.
15And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves
according to my laws.
16And I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the
Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence;
17and the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act
upon this land as for years, and this shall
turn unto them for their good.
18Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in
other places, in all churches.
19And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a
wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal
life.
20Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who comes quickly, in an hour
you think not. Even so.Amen.
THE FULLNESS: JUNE 1831 - DECEMBER 1834
CONFERENCE AT MORLEY FARM
June 3, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1:175-177
1
23 High Priests
Wheeler Baldwin
Ezra Booth
Reynolds Cahoon
Simeon Carter
John Corrill
Solomon Hancock
Martin Harris
Thomas Marsh
Isaac Morley
John Murdock
Edward Partridge
Parley Pratt
Sidney Rigdon
Jacob Scott
Hyrum Smith
Joseph Smith, Jr.
Joseph Smith, Sr.
Samuel Smith
Ezra Thayre
Joseph Wakefield
Harvey Whitlock
John Whitmer
Lyman Wight
Joseph Smith, HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
On the 3rd
of June, the Elders from the various parts of the country where they were
laboring, came in; and the conference before appointed, convened in Kirtland; and the
Lord displayed His power to the most perfect satisfaction of the Saints. The man of sin
was revealed, and the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was manifested and
conferred for the first time upon several of the Elders.
It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done,
and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs
required. Great harmony prevailed; several were ordained; faith was strengthened; and
humility, so necessary for the blessing of God to follow prayer, characterized the Saints.
John Whitmer, HISTORY
Conference was opened by prayer and exhortation by Joseph Smith Jr. the Revelator.
After the business of the church was attended to according to the Covenants, The Lord
made manifest to Joseph that it was necessary that such of the elders as were
considered worthy, should be ordained to the high priesthood. The spirit of the Lord fell
upon Joseph in an unusual manner...After he had prophesied, he laid his hands upon
Lyman Wight to the High Priesthood after the holy order of God. And the Spirit fell upon
Lyman and he prophesied concerning the coming of Christ.
Lyman Wight, JOURNAL
On the 4th
of June 1831, a conference was held at Kirtland, represented by all the again
saw the visible manifestations of the power of God as plain as could have been on the
day of Pentecost and here for the first time I saw the Melchisedec priesthood introduced
into the church of Jesus Christ as anciently; whereunto I was ordained under the hands
of Joseph Smith, and I then ordained Joseph and Sidney and sixteen others such as he
chose unto the same priesthood. The spirit of God was made manifest to the heeling of
the sick, casting out devils, speaking in unknown tongues, discerning of spirits, and
prophesying with mighty power, After the two days the conference broke up receiving
the revelation which appointed 28 elders their Mission to Missouri.
John Corrill, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, 1839
The Melchizedek priesthood was then for the first time introduced, and conferred on
several of the elders. In this chiefly consisted the endowment-it being a new order- and bestowed authority. However, some doubting took place among the elders, and
considerable conversation was held on the subject. The elders not fairly understanding
the nature of the endowments, it took some time to reconcile all their feelings.
Parley Pratt, AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 1874
Several were then selected by revelation, through President Smith, and ordained to the
High Priesthood after the order of the Son of God; which is after the order of
Melchizedek. This was the first occasion in which this priesthood had been revealed and
conferred upon the Elders in this dispensation, although the office of an Elder is the
same in a certain degree, but not in the fulness.
A CONSECRATED LAND
52
June 6, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 54
1835: 66
HC 1:175-179
HC: The next day, as a kind continuation of this great work of the last days, I received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom he hath called and chosen
in these last days, by the voice of his Spirit,
2saying:
I, the Lord, will make known unto you what I will that ye shall do from
this time until the next conference, which shall be held in Missouri, upon
the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which are a remnant of
Jacob, and those who are heirs
according to the covenant.
3Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servants Joseph
Smith, Jun.,
and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made
to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri.
4And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto
them what they shall do;
5and it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known unto them
the land of your inheritance.
6And inasmuch as they are not faithful, they shall be cut off, even as
I will, as seemeth me good.
7And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Lyman Wight and my servant
John Corrill take their journey speedily;
8and also my servant John Murdock, and my servant Hyrum Smith, take their
journey unto the same place by the way of Detroit.
9And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying
none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written,
and that which is taught them by the Comforter through the prayer of faith.
10Let them go two by two, and thus let them
preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying
on of the hands by the water's side.
11For thus saith the Lord:
I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will
send forth judgment unto victory.
Pattern to avoid deception
12And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for Satan desireth to sift him
as chaff.
13And
behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many things.
14And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not
be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving
the nations-
15wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted
of me if he obey mine ordinances.
16He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and
edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
17And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and
shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the
revelations and truths which I have given you.
18And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according
to this pattern, is not of me.
19Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under
the whole heavens.
20And the days have come; according to men's faith it shall be done unto
them.
21Behold,
this commandment is given unto all the elders whom I have chosen.
22And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh and my
servant Ezra Thayre take their journey also, preaching the word by the
way unto this same land.
23And again, let my servant Isaac Morley and my servant Ezra Booth take
their journey, also preaching the word by the way unto this same land.
24And again, let my servants Edward Partridge and Martin Harris take their
journey with my servants Sidney
Rigdon
and Joseph
Smith, Jun.
25Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvey Whitlock also take their journey,
and preach by the way unto this same land.
26And let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt take their journey,
and preach by the way, even unto this same land.
27And let my servants Solomon Hancock and Simeon Carter also take their
journey unto this same land, and preach by the way.
28Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott also take their journey.
29Let my servants Levi W. Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin also take their journey.
30Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey.
31Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William Carter also take their journey.
32And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah J. Griffin both be ordained,
and also take their journey.
33Yea, verily I say, let all these take their journey unto one place, in
their several courses, and one man shall not build upon another's foundation,
neither journey in another's track.
34He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit.
35And again, I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Wakefield and Solomon
Humphrey take their journey into the eastern lands;
36let them labor with their families, declaring none other things than the
prophets and apostles, that which they have seen and heard and most assuredly
believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled.
37In consequence of transgression, let that which was bestowed upon Heman
Basset be taken from him, and placed upon the head of Simonds Ryder.
38And again, verily I say
unto you, let Jared Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James
be ordained a priest.
39Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the
word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own
hands that there be no
idolatry nor wickedness practiced.
40And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted,
for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.
41And again, let my servants Joseph
Smith, Jun.,
and Sidney
Rigdon
and Edward
Partridge
take with them a recommend from the church. And let there be one obtained
for my servant Oliver Cowdery also.
42And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble yourselves
together to
rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance,
which is now the land of your enemies.
43But, behold, I, the Lord, will hasten the city in its time, and will
crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing.
44Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and I will lift them up at
the last day. Even so.Amen.
Joseph's route to and from Independence.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
SIDNEY GILBERT
53
June 8, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 55
1835: 66
HC 1:179-180
HC: Shortly after the foregoing was received, at the request of Sidney Gilbert I inquired, and obtained
the following:
1
1Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney
Gilbert
, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it
should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling
and election in the church, which I, the Lord, have raised up in these
last days.
2Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give
unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.
3Take upon you mine
ordinances
ordination
, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance and remission
of sins, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by
the laying on of hands;
4and also to be an agent unto this church in the place which shall be appointed
by the bishop, according to commandments which shall be given hereafter.
5And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take your journey with my
servants Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, and Sidney Rigdon.
6Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the
residue shall be made
known unto you
known
in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard.
7And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth
unto the end. Even so.Amen.
NEWEL KNIGHT
54
June 10, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 56
1835: 67
HC 1:180-181
HC: The branch of the Church in Thompson, on account of breaking the covenant, and not knowing
what to do, they sent Newel Knight and other Elders to ask me to inquire of the Lord for them; which I
did, and received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world-
2behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel
Knight
, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you.
3And if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of
all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite.
4And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken, even so it
has become void and of none effect.
5And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been
better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea.
6But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment,
for they shall obtain mercy.
7Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you;
and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and
to pay moneys for you.
8And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the
land of Missouri,
unto the borders of the Lamanites.
9And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a
living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.
10And again, be patient in tribulation until I come;
And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have
sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so.Amen.
WILLIAM PHELPS
55
June 14, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 57
1835: 68
HC 1:184-186
HC: About the middle of June, while we were preparing for our journey to Missouri, William W. Phelps
and his family arrived among us, "to do the will of the Lord," he said; so I inquired of the Lord
concerning him and received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William, yea, even the
Lord of the
whole earth, thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized
by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have
a remission of your sins and a
reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;
2and then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, to be an elder unto this church, to preach
repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus
Christ, the Son of the living God.
3And on whomsoever you shall lay your hands, if they are contrite before
me, you shall have power to give the Holy Spirit.
4And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to
do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools
in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before
me as is pleasing unto me.
5And again, verily I say unto you, for this cause you shall take your journey
with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and
Sidney Rigdon, that you may be planted in the land of your inheritance
to do this work.
6And again, let my servant Joseph Coe also take his journey with them.
The residue shall be made known hereafter, even as I will.Amen.
REVOKED COMMANDMENTS
56
June 15, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 58
1835: 69
HC 1:186-188
HC: Soon after I received the foregoing, Elder Thomas B. Marsh came to inquire what he should do; as
Elder Ezra Thayre, his yoke-fellow in the ministry, could not get ready to start on his mission as soon as
Marsh would; and I inquired of the Lord, and received the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord your God; for
behold, mine anger is kindled against the rebellious, and they shall know
mine arm and mine
indignation, in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations.
2And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments,
the same shall not be saved.
3Behold, I, the Lord, command; and he that will not obey shall be cut off
in mine own due time, after I have commanded and the commandment is broken.
4Wherefore I, the Lord, command and revoke, as it seemeth me good; and
all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious, saith the Lord.
5Wherefore, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Thomas
B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my servant Thomas,
that he shall take up his journey speedily to the land of Missouri, and
my servant Selah
J. Griffin
shall also go with him.
6For behold, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants
Selah J. Griffin and Newel Knight, in consequence of the stiffneckedness
of my people which are in Thompson, and their rebellions.
7Wherefore, let my servant Newel
Knight
remain with them; and as many as will go may go, that are contrite before
me, and be led by him to the land which I have appointed.
8And again, verily I say unto you, that my servant Ezra
Thayre
must repent of his pride, and of his selfishness, and obey the former
commandment which I have given him
concerning the place upon which he lives.
9And if he will do this, as there shall be no divisions made upon the land,
he shall be appointed still to go to the land of Missouri;
10otherwise he shall receive the money which he has paid, and shall leave
the place, and shall be cut off out of my church, saith the Lord God of
hosts;
11and though the heaven and the earth pass away, these words shall not pass
away, but shall be fulfilled.
12And if my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun.,
must needs pay the money, behold, I, the Lord, will pay it unto him again
in the land of Missouri, that those of whom he shall receive may be rewarded
again according to that which they do;
13for according to that which they do they shall receive, even in lands
for their inheritance.
14Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people-you have many things to do
and to repent of; for behold, your sins have come up unto me, and are not
pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways.
15And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey not the truth, but have
pleasure in unrighteousness.
16Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for
your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your
lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation,
"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! "
17Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not
contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not
stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of
greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!
18But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken,
and whose
spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in
power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth
shall be theirs.
19For behold, the Lord
shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward
every man, and the poor shall rejoice;
20and their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to
generation, forever and ever.
And now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so.Amen.
THE CENTER PLACE
57
July 20, 1831 - Jackson County, Missouri
1835: 27
HC 1:189-190
HC: Our reflections were many, coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east,
and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the United States, and looking into the vast
wilderness of those that sat in darkness; how natural it was to...exclaim in the language of the
prophets, "When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and
where will Thy temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?" Our anxiety was soon
relieved by receiving the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled
yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which
is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated
for the gathering of the saints.
2Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of
Zion.
3And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom.
Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place;
and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far
from the courthouse.
4Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints,
and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly
between Jew and Gentile;
5and also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples
are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain
it for an everlasting inheritance.
6And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have
appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the church, to buy
land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness,
and as wisdom shall direct.
7And let my servant Edward Partridge stand in the office to which I have
appointed him, and divide unto the saints their inheritance, even as I
have commanded; and also those
whom he has appointed to assist him.
8And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant
himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without
fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the saints,
and that he may obtain whatsoever things the
disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance.
9And also let my servant Sidney
Gilbert obtain a license-behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let
him understand- that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom
he will as clerks employed in his service;
10and thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those
who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.
11And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William W. Phelps be
planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church.
12And lo, if the world receive his writings-behold here is wisdom-let him
obtain whatsoever he can obtain in
righteousness, for the good of the saints.
13And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded,
in
whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and
select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by
the Spirit through him.
14And thus let those of whom I have spoken be planted in the land of Zion,
as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as
I have spoken.
15And now
concerning the gathering-Let the bishop and the agent make preparations
for those
families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible,
and plant them in their inheritance.
16And unto the residue of both elders and members further
directions shall be given hereafter. Even so.Amen.
THE LORD'S WILL FOR THE LAND OF ZION
58
August 1, 1831 - Jackson County, Missouri
1833: 59
1835: 18
HC 1:190-195
HC: During this week the Colesville branch, referred to in the latter part of the last revelation [D&C
57:15], and Sidney Rigdon, Sidney Gilbert and wife, and Elders Morley and Booth, arrived. I received
the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn
of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which
I have sent you.
2For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments,
whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the
reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of
heaven.
3Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design
of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the
glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh
that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh
at hand.
5Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart,
and receive that
which is to follow.
6Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you-
that you might be obedient,
and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things
which are to come;
7and also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing
record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand;
8and also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea,
a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth
may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail;
9yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all
nations shall be invited.
10First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble;
11and after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame,
and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and
partake of the
supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.
12Behold, I, the Lord, have spoken it.
13And that the testimony might go forth from Zion, yea, from the mouth of
the city of the heritage of God.
14Yea, for this cause I have sent you hither, and have selected my servant
Edward
Partridge, and have appointed unto him his mission in this land.
15But if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of
heart, let him take heed lest he fall.
16Behold his mission is given unto him, and it shall not be given again.
17And whoso standeth in this mission is appointed to be a judge in Israel,
like as it was in ancient days, to divide the lands of the heritage of
God unto his children;
18and to judge his people by the testimony of the just, and by the assistance
of his counselors, according to the laws of the kingdom which are given
by the prophets of God.
19For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land.
20Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him
that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words,
him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.
21Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of
God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
22Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right
it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.
23Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the
church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom.
24And now, as I spake concerning my servant Edward
Partridge
, this land is the land of his residence, and those whom he has appointed
for his counselors; and also the land of the
residence of him whom I have appointed to keep my storehouse;
25wherefore, let them bring their families to this land, as they shall counsel
between themselves and me.
26For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he
that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise
servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do
many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28for the power is in them,
wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they
shall in nowise lose their reward.
29But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and
receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness,
the same is damned.
30Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that
obeys not my commandments?
31Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?
32I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing.
33Then they say in their hearts, "This is not the work of the Lord, for
his promises are not fulfilled." But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh
beneath, and not from above.
Directions concerning the land of Zion
34And now I give unto you further directions concerning this land.
35It is wisdom in me that my servant Martin Harris should be an example
unto the church, in laying his moneys before the bishop of the church.
36And also, this is a law unto every man that cometh unto this land to receive
an inheritance; and he shall do with his moneys according as the law directs.
37And it is wisdom also that there should be lands purchased in Independence,
for the place of the storehouse, and also for the house of the printing.
38And other directions concerning my servant Martin
Harris
shall be given him of the
Spirit, that he may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good;
39and let him repent of his sins, for he seeks the praise of the world.
40And also let my servant William W. Phelps stand in the office to which
I have appointed him, and receive his inheritance in the land;
41and also he hath need to repent, for I, the Lord, am not
well
pleased with him, for he seeketh to excel, and he is not sufficiently
meek before me.
42Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I,
the Lord, remember them no more.
43By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins- behold, he will confess
them and forsake them.
44And now, verily, I say concerning the residue of the elders of my church,
the time has not yet come, for many years, for them to receive their inheritance
in this land, except they desire it through
the
prayer
of faith
, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord.
45For, behold, they shall push the people together from the ends of the
earth.
46Wherefore, assemble yourselves together; and they who are not appointed
to stay in this land, let them preach the gospel in the regions round about;
and after that let them return to their homes.
47Let them preach by the way, and bear testimony of the truth in all places,
and call upon the rich, the high and the low, and the poor to repent.
48And let them build up churches, inasmuch as the inhabitants of the earth
will repent.
49And let there be an agent appointed by the voice of the church, unto the
church in Ohio, to receive moneys to purchase lands in Zion.
50And I give unto my servant Sidney Rigdon a commandment, that he shall
write a
description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as
it shall be made known by the Spirit unto him;
51and an epistle and subscription, to be presented unto all the churches
to obtain moneys, to be put into the hands of the bishop, of himself or
the agent, as seemeth him good or as he shall direct, to purchase lands
for an inheritance for the children of God.
52For, behold, verily I say unto you, the Lord willeth that the
disciples and the children of men should open their hearts, even to purchase
this whole
region of country, as soon as time will permit.
53Behold, here is wisdom. Let them do this lest they receive none inheritance,
save it be by the shedding of blood.
54And again, inasmuch as there is land obtained, let there be workmen sent
forth of all kinds unto this land, to labor for the saints of God.
55Let all these things be done in order; and let the privileges of the lands
be made known from time to time, by the bishop or the agent of the church.
56And let the work of the gathering be not in haste, nor by flight; but
let it be done as it shall be counseled by the elders of the church at
the conferences,
according to the knowledge which they receive from time to time.
57And let my servant Sidney
Rigdon
consecrate and dedicate this land, and the spot for the temple, unto the
Lord.
58And let a conference meeting be called; and after that let my servants
Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., return, and also Oliver Cowdery with
them, to accomplish the residue of the work which I have appointed unto
them in their own land, and the residue as shall be ruled by the conferences.
59And let no man return from this land except he bear record by the way,
of that which he knows and most assuredly believes.
60Let that which has been bestowed upon Ziba Peterson be taken from him;
and let him stand as a member in the church, and labor with his own hands,
with the brethren, until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins;
for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh to hide them.
61Let the residue of the elders of this church, who are coming to this land,
some of whom are exceedingly blessed even above measure, also hold a conference
upon this land.
62And
let my servant Edward
Partridge
direct the conference which shall be held by them.
63And let them also return, preaching the gospel by the way, bearing record
of the things which are revealed unto them.
64For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world,
and unto the uttermost parts of the earth-the gospel must be preached unto
every creature, with signs following them that believe.
65And behold the Son of Man cometh.Amen.
SIDNEY'S FIRST DESCRIPTION OF ZION
August 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
Whitmer Ch. 9
Written in response to the commandment in D&C 58:50. This description was rejected by the Lord in D&C 63:55-56.
1
I, Sidney, a servant of Jesus Christ by the will of God the Father and
through the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ unto the Saints who are scattered
abroad in the last days, may grace, mercy and peace, rest upon you from
God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is greatly to be feared, among his Saints and to be had in reverence
of all them who obey him.
Beloved Brethren,
It has pleased God even the Father to make known unto us in these last
days, the good
pleasure of his will concerning his Saints; and to make known unto us,
the things which he has decreed upon the nations even wasting and destruction.
Until they are utterly
destroyed, and the earth made desolate by reason of the wickedness of
its inhabitants according as he has made known in times past by the prophets
and apostles, that such calamities should befall the inhabitants of the
earth in the last days, unless they should repent and turn to the living
God. And as the time is now near at hand, for the
accomplishment of his purposes and the fulfillment of his prophecies,
which have been spoken by all the holy prophets ever since the world began,
he has sent and signified, unto us by the mouths of his holy prophets,
that he has raised up in these last days-the speedy accomplishment of his
purposes which shall be accomplished, on the heads of the
rebellious of this generation-among whom he has been pleased in much mercy
and goodness to send forth the fullness of his gospel in order that they
might repent and turn to the living God, and be made partakers of his Holy
Spirit. But by reason of their
wickedness and rebellion against him, and wicked and unbelieving hearts
the Lord withdrew his spirit from them, and gives them up to work all uncleanliness
with
greediness, and to bring swift destruction on themselves--and through
their wickedness to hasten the day of calamity, that they may be left without
excuse in the day of vengeance.
But it has pleased our Heavenly Father to make known some better things,
concerning his Saints, and those who serve him in fear and rejoice in meekness
before him, even things
which pertain to life everlasting, for godliness has the promise of the
life, that now is, and that which is to come; Even so it has pleased our
Heavenly Father to make provisions for his Saints in these last days of
tribulation that they through faith and patience, and by continuing in
well-doing may preserve their lives; and attain unto rest and endless felicity-
-but by no other means, than that of a strict observance of his commandments
and
teachings in all things as there is and can be no ruler or lawgiver in
the kingdom of God save it be God our Savior himself-and before him he
requires that all his saints and those who have named the name of Jesus,
should be careful to depart from iniquity-and serve him with fear, rejoicing
and trembling, least he be angry and they perish from their way.
According to the prediction of the ancient prophets that the Lord would
send his messengers in the last days, and gather his elect (which is the
elect according to the covenant, viz., those who like Abraham are faithful
to God and the word of his grace) from the four winds even from one end
of the earth to the other as testified of by the
Savior himself-so in these last days, he has commenced to gather together,
into a place provided before of God and had in reserve in days of old being
kept by the power and providence of God, for this purpose and which he
now holds in his own hands, that they through faith, and patience may inherit
the promises-a land which God by his own commandment has consecrated to
himself where he has said that his laws shall be kept, and where his saints
can dwell in safety, through their perseverance in well-doing, and their
unfeigned repentance of all their sins, our Heavenly Father has provided
this land himself because it was the one which was the best adapted for
his children, where Jew and Gentile might dwell together: for God has the
same respect to all those who call upon him
in truth and righteousness whether they be Jew and Gentile; for there
is no respect of person with him.
This land being situated in the center of the continent on which we dwell
with an exceeding fertile soil and ready cleared for the hand of the cultivator
bespeaks the
goodness of our God, in providing so goodly a heritage, and its climate
suited for persons from every quarter of this continent, either East, West,
North and South. Yea I think I may say, for all constitutions from any
portion the world, and its productions nearly all
varieties of both grain and vegetables which are common in this country,
together with all means, clothing: in addition to this it abounds with
fountains of pure water, the soil
climate at surface are all adapted, to health indeed I may say that the
whole properties of the country invite the Saints to come, and partake
of their blessings, but what more need I say about a country which our
Heavenly Father holds in his hands, for if it were unhealthy he could make
it healthy and if barren he could make it fruitful. Such is the land which
the Lord has provided for us, in the last days for an inheritance, and
truly it is a goodly
land, and none other as well suited for all the Saints as this and all
those who have faith and confidence in God who has ever seen this land
will bear the same testimony. In order that you may understand the will
of God respecting this land and the way and means of possessing it, I can
only refer you to commandments which the Lord has delivered by the mouth
of his prophets which will be read, to you, by our brethren Oliver Cowdery
and Newel K. Whitney whom the Lord has appointed, to visit the Churches
and obtain means for purchasing this our inheritance that we may escape
in the day of tribulation which is coming on the earth. I conclude by exhorting
you to hear the voice of the Lord your God who is speaking to you in much
mercy and who is sending forth, his word and his
revelation in these last days, in order that we may escape impending vengeance;
and the judgments which await this generation, and which will speedily
overtake them-brethren pray for me, that I may be counted worthy to obtain
an inheritance in the land of Zion and to overcome, the World through faith,
and dwell with the sanctified, forever, and
ever Amen.
DEDICATION OF LAND OF ZION
August 2, 1831 - Independence, Missouri
Whitmer, Ch. 9
On the 2nd day of August 1831, Brother Sidney Rigdon stood up and asked saying: Do you receive this
land for the land of your inheritance with thankful hearts from the Lord? Answer from all: We do.
Do you pledge yourselves to keep the laws of God on this land, which you never have kept in your own
lands? We do.
Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws
of God? We do.
After prayer he arose and said: I now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated to the Lord for a
possession and inheritance for the Saints (in the name of Jesus Christ having authority from him.) And
for all the faithful servants of the Lord to the remotest ages of time.Amen.
The day following, eight elders, viz., Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Peter Whitmer,
Frederick G. Williams, William W. Phelps, Martin Harris, and Joseph Coe, assembled together where
the temple is to be erected. Sidney Rigdon dedicated the ground where the city is to stand, and Joseph
Smith, Jr., laid a stone at the northeast corner of the contemplated temple in the name of the Lord
Jesus of Nazareth. After all present had rendered thanks to the great ruler of the universe, Sidney
Rigdon pronounced this spot of ground wholly dedicated unto the Lord forever, Amen.
1
THE SABBATH
59
August 7, 1831 - Jackson County, Missouri
1833: 60
1835: 19
HC 1:200-201
William Phelps wrote in a July 1831 letter that Jackson County residents were "emigrants from
Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and the Carolinas, &c., with customs, manners, modes of living and a
climate entirely different from the northerners." Joseph Smith later characterized many of the
residents as "the basest of men" who "had fled from the face of civilized society, to the frontier
country to escape the hand of justice, in their midnight revels, their sabbath breaking, horseracing, and
gambling." A traveler to western Missouri in 1833 made a similar observation, stating that "the only
indications of its being Sunday" in the area was "the unusual gambling & noise, & assemblies around
taverns."
1
1Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land
with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments.
2For those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall
rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they
shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared
for them.
3Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have
obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things
of the earth, and it shall
bring forth in its strength.
4And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with
commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time-they that are
faithful and diligent before me.
5Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might,
mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
6Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything
like unto it.
7Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
8Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even
that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
9And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world,
thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my
holy day;
10for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors,
and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days
and at all times;
12but remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren,
and before the
Lord.
13And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared
with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other
words, that thy joy may be full.
14Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
15And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts
and
countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad
heart and a cheerful countenance-
16verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is
yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which
climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;
17yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether
for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards,
or for gardens, or for vineyards;
18yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made
for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden
the heart;
19yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen
the body and to enliven the soul.
20And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for
unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess,
neither by extortion.
21And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled,
save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
22Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets; wherefore, trouble
me no more concerning this matter.
23But learn that he who doth the works of righteousness shall receive his
reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.
24I, the Lord, have spoken it, and the Spirit bears record.Amen.
BURYING YOUR TALENT
60
August 8, 1831 - Jackson County, Missouri
1833: 61
1835: 70
HC 1:201-202
HC: As there had been some inquiry among the Elders what they were to do, I received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to
return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth
me, that you have come up hither;
2but with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths,
but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear
of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.
3And it shall come to pass, if they are not more
faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.
4For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the
earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know
what it is that bespeaketh the power of God.
5But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land
from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth
you good, it mattereth not
unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called
St. Louis.
6And from thence let my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati;
7and in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with
loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them.
For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you.
8And let the residue take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and
preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked, until
they return to the churches
from whence they came.
9And all this for the good of the churches; for this intent have I sent
them.
10And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given
him, a portion unto mine elders who are commanded to return;
11and he that is able, let him
return it by the way of the agent; and he that is not, of him it is not
required.
12And now I speak of the residue who are to come unto this land.
13Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations
of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt
not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may
not be known.
14And after thou hast come up unto the land of Zion, and hast proclaimed
the
my
word, thou shalt speedily return, proclaiming my word among the congregations
of the wicked, not in haste, neither in wrath nor with strife.
15And shake off the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not,
not in their presence, lest thou provoke them, but in secret; and wash
thy feet, as a testimony against them in the day of judgment.
16Behold, this is sufficient for you, and the will of him who hath sent
you.
17And by the mouth of my servant Joseph
Smith,
Jun.
it shall be made known concerning Sidney
Rigdon
and Oliver
Cowdery
. The residue hereafter. Even so.Amen.
JOURNEYING BY WATER AND LAND
61
August 12, 1831 - Missouri
1833: 62
1835: 71
HC 1:202-205
HC: I left Independence for Kirtland. We started down the river in canoes...nothing important occurred
until the third day, when many of the dangers so common upon the western waters manifested
themselves; and after we had encamped upon the banks of the river...Brother Phelps, in open vision by
daylight, saw the destroyer in his most horrible power, ride upon the face of the waters; others heard
the noise, but saw not the vision. The next morning after prayer, I received the following:
1
1Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who has all power, who is from
everlasting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end.
2Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church,
who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for
I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their
sins with humble hearts;
3but verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company
of mine elders to be moving
swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing
in unbelief.
4Nevertheless, I suffered it that ye might bear record; behold, there are
many dangers upon the waters, and more especially hereafter;
5for I, the Lord, have decreed in mine anger many destructions upon the
waters; yea, and especially upon these waters.
6Nevertheless, all flesh is in mine hand, and he that is faithful among
you shall not perish by the waters.
7Wherefore, it is expedient that my servant Sidney Gilbert and my servant
William W.
Phelps be in haste upon their errand and mission.
8Nevertheless, I would not suffer that ye should part until you were chastened
for all your sins, that you might be one, that you might not perish in
wickedness;
9but now, verily I say, it behooveth me that ye should part. Wherefore
let my servants Sidney
Gilbert
and William
W. Phelps
take their former company, and let them take their journey in haste that
they may fill their mission, and through faith they shall overcome;
10and inasmuch as they are faithful they shall be
preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them.
11And let the residue take that which is needful for clothing.
12Let my servant Sidney
Gilbert
take that which is not needful with him, as you shall agree.
13And now, behold, for your good I gave unto you a commandment concerning
these things; and I, the Lord, will reason with you as with men in days
of old.
14Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters; but in the last
days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters.
15Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters.
16And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the
land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart.
17And, as I, the Lord, in the beginning cursed the land, even so in the
last days have I blessed it, in its time, for the use of my saints, that
they may partake the fatness thereof.
18And now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto
all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that
they come not in
journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in snares;
19I, the Lord, have decreed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof,
and I revoke not the decree.
20I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but today mine anger is turned
away.
21Wherefore, let those concerning whom I have spoken, that should take their
journey in haste-again I say unto you, let them take their journey in haste.
22And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill
their mission, whether they go by water or
by land; let this be as it is made known unto them according to their
judgments hereafter.
23And now, concerning my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph
Smith, Jun.
, and Oliver Cowdery, let them come not again upon the waters, save it
be upon the canal, while journeying unto their homes; or in other words
they shall not come upon the waters to journey, save upon the canal.
24Behold, I, the Lord, have appointed a way for the
journeying of my saints; and behold, this is the way-that after they leave
the canal they shall journey by land, inasmuch as they are commanded to
journey and go up unto the
land of Zion;
25and they shall do like unto the children of Israel, pitching their tents
by the way.
26And, behold, this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren.
27Nevertheless,
unto whom is given power to command the waters, unto him it is given by
the Spirit to know all his ways;
28wherefore, let him do as the Spirit of the living God commandeth him,
whether upon the land or upon the waters, as it remaineth with me to do
hereafter.
29And unto you is given the course for the saints, or the way for the saints
of the camp of the Lord, to journey.
30And again, verily I say unto you, my servants, Sidney
Rigdon
, Joseph
Smith,
Jun.
, and Oliver
Cowdery
, shall not open their mouths in the congregations of the wicked until
they arrive at Cincinnati;
31and in that place they shall lift up their voices unto God against that
people, yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness,
a people who are well-nigh ripened for destruction.
32And from thence let them journey for the
congregations of their brethren, for their labors even now are wanted
more abundantly among them than among the congregations of the wicked.
33And now, concerning the residue, let them journey and declare the word
among the congregations of the wicked, inasmuch as it is given;
34and inasmuch as they do this they shall rid their garments, and they shall
be spotless before me.
35And let them journey together, or two by two, as seemeth them good, only
let my servant Reynolds Cahoon, and my servant Samuel
H
. Smith, with whom I am well pleased, be not separated until they return
to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me.
36And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all,
be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not
forsaken you;
37and inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of
the kingdom are yours.
38Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the
coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.
39Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the
day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so.Amen.
BLESSED FOR BEARING TESTIMONY
62
August 13, 1831 - Charlton, Missouri
1833: 63
1835: 72
HC 1:205-206
HC: I met several of the Elders on their way to the land of Zion, and after the joyful salutations with
which brethren meet each other, who are actually "contending for the faith once delivered to the
Saints," I received the following:
1
1Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God,
even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how
to succor them who are tempted.
2And verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the
land of Zion; wherefore your mission is not yet full.
3Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the
testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to
look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.
4And now continue your journey. Assemble yourselves upon the land of Zion;
and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the
Most High.
5And then you may return to bear record, yea, even altogether, or two by
two, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me; only be faithful, and
declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations
of the wicked.
6Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you together that the promise might
be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice
together in the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promise the faithful and
cannot lie.
7I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you
desire to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive
this blessing, if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful
heart in all things.
8These things
remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the
Spirit.
9Behold, the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful
always. Even so.Amen.
OLIVER ORDAINED TO HIGH PRIESTHOOD
August 28, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
Oliver returned from his mission to the Lamanites in August 1831, and having not been present at the
conference at Morley farm, was ordained to the High Priesthood by Sidney Rigdon on August 28.
1
ASSEMBLE TOGETHER UNTO ZION
63
August 30, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 64
1835: 20
HC 1:206-211
HC: In these infant days of the Church, there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon
every subject that in any way concerned our salvation; and as the land of Zion was now the most
important temporal object in view, I inquired of the Lord for further information upon the gathering of
the Saints, and the purchase of the land, and other matters, and received the following:
1
1Hearken, O ye people, and open your hearts and give ear from afar; and
listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word
of the Lord and his will
concerning you.
2Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled against
the wicked and rebellious;
3who willeth to take even them whom he will take, and
preserveth in life them whom he will preserve;
4who buildeth up at his own will and
pleasure; and destroyeth when he pleases, and is able to cast the soul
down to hell.
5Behold, I, the Lord, utter my voice, and it shall be obeyed.
6Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious
fear and tremble; and let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day
of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know
that I am God.
7And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.
8Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and
there have been such even from the beginning;
9but, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe.
10Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please,
but by the will of God.
11Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man
pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore,
unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation.
12Wherefore, I, the Lord, am
not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders
for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory.
13Nevertheless, I give commandments, and many have turned away from my commandments
and have not kept them.
14There were among you adulterers and
adulteresses; some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain
with you that hereafter shall be revealed.
15Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judgment shall come upon them
as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall
follow them in the eyes of the people.
16And verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a
woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts,
they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear.
17Wherefore, I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving,
and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger,
and the sorcerer,
should
shall
have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which
is the second death.
18Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection.
19And now behold, I, the Lord, say unto you that ye are not justified, because
these things are among you.
20Nevertheless, he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall
overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day
of transfiguration shall come;
21when the earth shall be transfigured, even according to the pattern which
was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fulness
ye have not yet received.
22And now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I would make known
my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by the way
of commandment, for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments.
23But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of
my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing
up unto everlasting life.
24And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his
saints, that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of
Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence.
25Behold, the land of Zion-I, the Lord, hold it in mine own hands;
26nevertheless, I, the Lord, render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.
27Wherefore, I the Lord will that you should purchase the lands, that you
may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world,
that they may not be stirred up unto anger.
28For Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the
shedding of blood.
29Wherefore, the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by
purchase or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you.
30And if by purchase, behold you are blessed;
31and if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies
are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue
to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance.
32I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked; I am holding my Spirit from the
inhabitants of the earth.
33I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth,
and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man;
34and the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am
with them, and will come down in
heaven from the presence of
God
my Father
and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire.
35And behold, this is not yet, but by and by.
36Wherefore, seeing that I, the Lord, have decreed all these things upon
the face of the earth, I will that my saints should be assembled upon the
land of Zion;
37and that every man should take righteousness in his hands and faithfulness
upon his loins, and lift a
warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word
and by flight that desolation shall come upon the wicked.
38Wherefore, let my disciples in Kirtland arrange their temporal concerns,
who dwell
upon this farm.
39Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the care thereof, dispose of the
land, that he may be prepared in the coming spring to take his journey
up unto the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face thereof,
excepting those whom I shall reserve
unto myself, that shall not go until I shall command them.
40And let all the moneys which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether
it be little or much, be sent up unto the
land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive.
41Behold, I, the Lord, will give unto my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun.,
power that he shall be enabled to discern by the Spirit those who shall
go up unto the land of Zion, and those of my disciples who shall tarry.
42Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store, or in other words, the
store, yet for a little season.
43Nevertheless, let him impart all the money which he can impart, to be
sent up unto the land of Zion.
44Behold, these things are in his own hands, let him do
according to wisdom.
45Verily I say, let him be ordained as an agent unto the disciples that
shall tarry, and let him be ordained unto this power;
46and now speedily visit the churches, expounding these things unto them,
with my servant Oliver Cowdery. Behold, this is my will, obtaining moneys
even as I have directed.
47He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.
48He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion shall receive an inheritance
in this world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the
world to come.
49Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when
the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become
new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive
an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy
city.
50And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and hath kept the faith,
blessed is he; nevertheless, it is appointed to him to die at the age of
man.
51Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall
die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in
the twinkling of an eye.
52Wherefore, for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the resurrection
of the dead.
53These things are the things that ye must look for; and, speaking after
the manner of the Lord, they are now nigh at hand, and in a time to come,
even in the day of the coming of the Son of Man.
54And until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise; and
at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked;
and in that day
will I send mine angels to pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable
fire.
55And now behold, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, am not pleased with
my servant
Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel,
but grieved the Spirit;
56wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord, and he shall make
another; and if the Lord receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in
the office to which I have appointed him.
57And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in
meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this
power.
58For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the
Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days.
59Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and
in all, and through all, and search all things, and the day cometh that
all things shall be subject unto me.
60Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.
61Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips-
62for behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation,
who use the name of the
Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.
63Wherefore, let the church repent of their
sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off.
64Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken
with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation,
and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there
remaineth condemnation.
65Let my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home,
as they are taught through prayer by the Spirit.
66These things remain to overcome through patience, that such may receive
a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, otherwise, a greater condemnation.Amen.
SIDNEY'S SECOND DESCRIPTION OF ZION
August/September, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1:197-198
After his first description was rejected by the Lord in D&C 63:55-56, Sidney wrote this version.
1
The country is unlike the timbered states of the East. As far as the eye
can reach the beautiful rolling prairies lie spread out like a sea of meadows;
and are decorated with a growth of flowers so gorgeous and grand as to
exceed description; and nothing is more
fruitful, or a richer stockholder in the blooming prairie than the honey
bee. Only on the water courses is timber to be found. There in strips from
one to three miles in width, and following faithfully the meanderings of
the streams, it grows in luxuriant forests. The forests are a mixture of
oak, hickory, black walnut, elm, ash, cherry, honey locust,
mulberry, coffee bean, hackberry, boxelder, and bass wood; with the addition
of cottonwood, butterwood, pecan, and soft and hard maple upon the bottoms.
The
shrubbery is beautiful, and consists in part of plums, grapes, crab apple,
and persimmons.
The soil is rich and fertile; from three to ten feet deep, and generally
composed of a rich black mould, intermingled with clay and sand. It yields
in abundance, wheat, corn, sweet potatoes, cotton and many other common
agricultural products. Horses, cattle and hogs, though of an inferior breed,
are tolerably plentiful and seem nearly to raise themselves by grazing
in the vast prairie range in summer, and feeding upon the bottoms in winter.
The wild game is less plentiful of course where man has commenced the cultivation
of the soil, than in the wild prairies. Buffalo, elk, deer, bear, wolves,
beaver and many smaller animals here roam at pleasure. Turkeys, geese,
swans, ducks, yea a variety of the feathered tribe,
are among the rich abundance that grace the delightful regions of this
goodly land-the heritage of the children of God.
The season is mild and delightful nearly three quarters of the year, and
as the land of Zion, situated at about equal distances from the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans, as well as from the Alleghany and Rocky mountains,
in the thirty-ninth degree of north latitude, and between the sixteenth
and seventeenth degrees of west longitude, it bids fair-when the
curse is taken from the land-to become one of the most blessed places
on the globe. The winters are milder than the Atlantic states of the same
parallel of latitude, and the weather is more agreeable; so that were the
virtues of the inhabitants only equal to the blessings of the Lord which
He permits to crown the industry of those inhabitants, there would be a
measure of the good things of life for the benefit of the Saints, full,
pressed down, and
running over, even an hundredfold.
KIRTLAND: A STRONG HOLD FOR FIVE YEARS
64
September 11, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1833: 65
1835: 21
HC 1:211-214
HC: The early part of September was spent in making preparations to remove to the town of Hiram,
and renew our work on the translation of the BIBLE. The brethren who were commanded to go up to
Zion were earnestly engaged in getting ready to start in the coming October. On the 11th of September,
I received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you, O ye elders of my church,
hearken ye and hear, and receive my will concerning you.
2For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore
I will have compassion upon you.
3There are those among you who have sinned; but verily I say, for this
once, for mine own glory, and for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven
you your sins.
4I will be merciful unto you, for I have given unto you the kingdom.
5And the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my
servant Joseph
Smith, Jun., through the means I have appointed,
while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances.
6There are those who have sought occasion against him without cause;
7nevertheless, he has sinned; but verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, forgive
sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who
have not sinned unto death.
8My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and
forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted
and sorely chastened.
9Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he
that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before
the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required
to forgive all men.
11And ye ought to say in your hearts, "Let God judge between me and thee,
and reward thee according to thy deeds."
12And him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall
bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you,
either by commandment or by
revelation.
13And this ye shall do that God may be glorified-not because ye forgive
not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of
the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver-
14verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things.
15Behold, I, the Lord, was angry with him who was my servant Ezra Booth,
and also my servant Isaac Morley, for they kept not the law, neither the
commandment;
16they sought evil in their hearts, and I, the Lord, withheld my Spirit.
They condemned for evil that thing in which there was no evil; nevertheless
I have forgiven my servant Isaac Morley.
17And also my servant Edward Partridge, behold, he hath sinned, and Satan
seeketh to
destroy his soul; but when these things are made known unto them, and
they repent of the evil, they shall be forgiven.
18And now, verily I say that it is expedient in me that my servant Sidney
Gilbert, after a
few weeks, shall return upon his business, and to his agency in the land
of Zion;
19and that which he hath seen and heard may be made known unto my disciples,
that they perish not. And for this cause have I spoken these things.
20And again, I say unto you, that my servant Isaac
Morley
may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear, and counsel wrongfully
to your hurt, I gave commandment that his farm should be sold.
21I will not that my servant Frederick G. Williams should sell his farm,
for I, the Lord,
will to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of
five years, in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, that thereby
I may save some.
22And after that day, I, the
Lord, will not hold any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to
the land of Zion; for I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of
men.
23Behold, now it is called today
until the coming of the Son of Man
, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my
people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned
at his coming
.
24For after today cometh the burning-this is speaking after the manner of
the Lord-for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly
shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts;
and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.
25Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today.
26And it is not meet that my servants, Newel K. Whitney and Sidney Gilbert,
should sell their store and their possessions here; for this is not wisdom
until the residue of the church, which remaineth in this place, shall go
up unto the land of Zion.
27Behold, it is said in my laws, or forbidden, to get in debt to thine enemies;
28but behold, it is not said at any time that the Lord should not take when
he please, and pay as seemeth him good.
29Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord's errand; and whatever
ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord's business.
30And
it is the Lord's business
he hath set you
to provide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an
inheritance in the land of Zion.
31And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall
not fail, that they shall obtain it.
32But all things must come to pass in their time.
33Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation
of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
34Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing
and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.
35And the rebellious shall be cut off out of the land of Zion, and shall
be sent away, and shall not inherit the land.
36For, verily I say that the rebellious are not of the blood of Ephraim,
wherefore they shall be plucked out.
37Behold, I, the Lord, have made my church in these last days like unto
a judge sitting on a hill, or in a high place, to judge the nations.
38For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all
things
pertaining to Zion
.
39And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not
apostles
Not present
and prophets
shall be known.
40And even the
bishop, who is a
judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships
shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead.
41For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of
the Lord shall be upon her;
42and she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto
her out of every nation under heaven.
43And the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall tremble because
of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord has spoken
it.Amen.
MAY THE KINGDOM COME
65
October 30, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 24
HC 1:218
HC: I received the following prayer through revelation:
1
1Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty
and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose
voice is unto men:
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
2The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and
from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as
the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth,
until it has filled the whole earth.
3Yea, a voice crying:
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make
ready for the Bridegroom.
4Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful
works among the people.
5Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that
the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to
come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in
the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up
on the earth.
6Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven
may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth,
that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory,
forever and ever.Amen.
WILLIAM MCLELLIN
66
October 29, 1831 - Orange, Ohio
1835: 74
HC 1:219-221
HC: At the request of William McLellin, I inquired of the Lord, and received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant William E. McLellin:
Blessed are you, inasmuch as you have turned away from your iniquities,
and have received my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Savior of the world,
even of as many as believe on my name.
2Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting
covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of
men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which
are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets
and apostles in days of old.
3Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that you are clean, but not
all; repent,
therefore, of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the
Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you.
4And now, verily, I, the Lord, will show unto you what I will concerning
you, or what is my will concerning you.
5Behold, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should proclaim
my gospel from land to land, and from city to city, yea, in those regions
round about where it has not been proclaimed.
6Tarry not many days in this place; go not up
unto the land of Zion as yet; but inasmuch as you can send, send; otherwise,
think not of thy property.
7Go unto the eastern lands, bear testimony in every place, unto every people
and in their synagogues, reasoning with the people.
8Let my servant Samuel H. Smith go with you, and forsake him not, and give
him thine instructions; and he that is faithful shall be made strong in
every place; and I, the Lord, will go with you.
9Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. Return not till
I, the Lord, shall send you.
Be patient in affliction. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you.
10Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unrighteousness. Commit not adultery-a
temptation with which thou hast been troubled.
11Keep these sayings, for they are true and faithful; and thou shalt magnify
thine office, and push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy
upon their heads.
12Continue in these things even unto the end, and you shall have a crown
of eternal life at the right hand of my Father, who is full of grace and
truth.
13Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.Amen.
SECTION 1 RECEIVED
November 1, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
Section 1
HC: I returned from the conference at Orange, to Hiram; and as Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer
were to start for Independence, Missouri, a special conference was appointed for the first of
November at which I received the following.
1
LANGUAGE OF REVELATION
67
November 2, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 25
HC 1:224-225
HC: After this revelation was received, some conversation was had concerning revelations and
language. I received the following:
1
1Behold and hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves
together, whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose
desires have come up before me.
2Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the heavens and the earth are
in mine hands, and the riches of eternity are mine to give.
3Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was
offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in
your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive.
4And now I, the Lord, give unto you a testimony of the truth of these commandments
which are lying before you.
5Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and his language
you have known, and his imperfections you have known; and you have sought
in your hearts knowledge that you might express beyond his language; this
you also know.
6Now, seek ye out of the
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS,
even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most
wise among you;
7or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye
are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are
true;
8but if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye
do not bear record that they are true.
9For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is
righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights.
10And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise
I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch
as you strip yourselves from
jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not
sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know
that I am-not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.
11For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh,
except quickened by the Spirit of God.
12Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the
carnal mind.
13Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering
of angels;
wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.
14Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due
time, ye shall see and know that which was
conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.Amen.
BISHOPS AND CHILDREN IN ZION
68
November 1, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 22
HC 1:227-229
HC: As the following Elders-Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin- were desirous to know the mind of the Lord concerning themselves, I inquired, and received the
following:
1
1My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his
ordinance. Changed in 1921.
ordination
to proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, from
people to people, and from land to land, in the congregations of the wicked,
in their synagogues, reasoning with and expounding all
scriptures unto them.
2And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained
unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth-
3and this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are
moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall
be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord,
shall be the word of
the Lord,
shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
5Behold,
this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you; and ye shall bear
record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of
the living
God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
7This is the word of the Lord unto you, my servant Orson Hyde, and also
unto my servant Luke Johnson, and unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and unto
my servant William E.
McLellin, and unto all the faithful elders of my church-
8Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, acting
in the authority which I have given you, baptizing in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
9And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth
not shall be damned.
10And he that
believeth shall be blest with signs following, even as it is written.
11And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the
signs of the coming of the Son of Man;
12and of as many as the Father shall bear record, to you shall be given
power to seal them up unto eternal life.Amen.
13And now, concerning the items in addition to the
laws
covenants
and commandments, they are these-
14there remain hereafter, in the due time of the Lord, other bishops to
be set apart unto the church, to minister even according to the first;
15wherefore
it shall be a high priest who is worthy, and he shall be appointed by a conference of high priests.
they shall be
high priests who are worthy, and they shall be appointed by the First
Presidency of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, except they be literal descendants of Aaron
.
16And if they be literal descendants of Aaron they have a legal right to
the bishopric, if
they are the firstborn among the sons of Aaron;
17for the firstborn holds the right of the
presidency over this priesthood, and the keys or authority of the same.
18No man has a
legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except
he be a literal
descendant and the firstborn of Aaron.
19But, as a high priest of the Melchizedek
Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices he may
officiate in the office of
bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is
called and set
apart and ordained unto this power, under the hands of the First Presidency
of the
Melchizedek Priesthood.
20And a literal descendant of Aaron, also, must be designated by
this Presidency, and found worthy, and anointed, and ordained under the
hands of this
Presidency, otherwise they are not legally authorized to officiate in
their priesthood.
21But,
by virtue of the decree concerning their right of the priesthood descending
from father to
son, they may claim their anointing if at any time they can prove their
lineage, or do
ascertain it by revelation from the Lord under the hands of the above
named Presidency.
22And again, no bishop or
judge
high priest
who shall be set apart for this ministry shall be tried or condemned for
any crime, save it be before
a conference of high priests
the First Presidency of the church
;
23and inasmuch as he is found guilty before
a conference of high priests
this Presidency
, by testimony that cannot be impeached, he shall be condemned;
24
or forgiven, according to the laws of the church
and if he repent he shall be forgiven, according to
the covenants and commandments of the church
.
25And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion,
or in any of her stakes which are
organized,
that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in
Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the
Holy Spirit
Holy Ghost
by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the
heads of the parents.
26For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion,
or in any of her stakes which are organized
.
27And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when
eight years old, and
receive the laying on of the hands.
28And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly
before the Lord.
29And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the
Sabbath day to keep it holy.
30And the inhabitants of Zion also shall remember their
labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness;
for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord.
31Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for
there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in
wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their
eyes are full of greediness.
32These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them; wherefore,
let my servant Oliver Cowdery carry these sayings unto the land of Zion.
33And a commandment I give unto
them-that he that observeth not his prayers before the Lord in the season
thereof, let him be had in remembrance before the judge of my people.
34These sayings are true and faithful; wherefore, transgress them not, neither
take therefrom.
35Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I come quickly.Amen.
WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS
November 2, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
HC 1:226
HC: After the foregoing was received, William McLellin...endeavored to write a commandment like
unto one of the least of the Lord's, but failed; it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the
Lord. The Elders and all present that witnessed this vain attempt of a man to imitate the language of
Jesus Christ, renewed their faith in the fulness of the Gospel, and in the truth of the commandments
and revelations which the Lord had given to the Church through my instrumentality; and the Elders
signified a willingness to bear testimony of their truth to all the world. Accordingly, I received the
following:
1
The testimony of the witnesses to the Book of the Lord's commandments
which he gave to his church through Joseph Smith Jr., who was appointed
by the voice of the Church for this purpose.
We the undersigners feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of
mankind, to every creature upon all the face of all the earth, upon the
islands of the sea, that God hath born
record to our souls through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these
commandments are given by inspiration of God and are profitable for all
men and are verily true. We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord
being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father and his
Son Jesus Christ that we are permitted to have this privilege of
bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly
by praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby,Amen.
SIDNEY RIGDON
PETER DUSTIN
LUKE JOHNSON
THOMAS B. MARSH
PARLEY P. PRATT
JOHN MURDOCK
JOSHUA FAIRCHILD
WM.. E. MCLELLIN
LEVI HANCOCK
REYNOLDS CAHOON
HARVEY WHITLOCK
CALVIN BEEBE
ORSON HYDE
NEWEL KNIGHT
LYMAN JOHNSON
JOHN CORRILL
LYMAN WIGHT
ZEBEDEE COLTRIN
PREPARE FOR THE LAST DAYS
133
November 3, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 100
HC 1:229-234
HC: At this time there were many things which the Elders desired to know relative to preaching the
Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, and concerning the gathering; and in order to walk by the true
light, and be instructed from on high, on the 3rd of November 1831, I inquired of the Lord and received
the following important revelation:
1
1Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the
word of the Lord concerning you-
2the Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come
down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations
that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you.
3For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and
all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God.
4Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather
ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that
have not been commanded to tarry.
5Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.
6Call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let every
man call upon the name of the Lord.
7Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has come when the voice of
the Lord is unto you:
Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four
winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
8Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off;
unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all
nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews.
9And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord
unto all people:Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of
my people may be enlarged,
and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto
the regions round about.
10Yea, let the cry go forth among all people:
Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the
Bridegroom comes; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great
day of the Lord.
Second Coming events
11Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.
12Let them, therefore, who are among the Gentiles flee unto Zion.
13And let them who be of Judah flee unto
Jerusalem, unto the mountains of the Lord's house.
14Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of
wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon.
15But
verily, thus says the Lord, let not your flight be in haste, but let all
things be prepared before you; and he that goes, let him not look back
lest sudden destruction shall come upon him.
16Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen, ye elders of
my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord; for he calls upon all
men, and he commands all men everywhere to repent.
17For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through the
midst of heaven, saying:
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight, for the hour
of his coming is nigh-
18when the Lamb shall stand upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and
forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written on their
foreheads.
19Wherefore, prepare ye for the coming of the Bridegroom; go ye, go ye out
to meet him.
20For behold, he shall stand upon the mount of Olivet, and upon the mighty
ocean, even the great deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and upon
the land of Zion.
21And he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem,
and his voice shall be heard among all people;
22and it shall be a voice as the voice of many
waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the
mountains, and the valleys shall not be found.
23He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the
north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
24and the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into
their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before
it was divided.
25And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people,
and shall reign over all flesh.
26And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before
the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer
stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow
down at their presence.
27And an
highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.
28Their enemies shall become a prey unto them,
29and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living
water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.
30And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim,
my servants.
31And the
boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence.
32And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion,
by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.
33And they shall be filled with songs of
everlasting joy.
34Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of
Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows.
35And they also of the tribe
of Judah, after their pain, shall be sanctified in holiness before the
Lord, to dwell in his presence day and night, forever and ever.
36And now, verily says the Lord, that these things might be known among
you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who has appeared unto
some and has committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell
on the earth.
37And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
38And the servants of God shall go forth, saying with a loud voice:
Revelation 14:7Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come;
39and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains
of waters.
40Calling upon the name of the Lord day and night, saying:
Isaiah 64:1O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that
the mountains might flow down at thy presence.
41And it shall be answered upon their heads; for the presence of the Lord
shall be as the melting fire that burns, and as the fire which causes the
waters to boil.
42O Lord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries,
and all nations shall tremble at thy presence-
43when thou doest terrible things, things they look not for;
44yea, when thou comest down, and the mountains flow down at thy presence,
thou shalt meet him who rejoices and works righteousness, who remembers
thee in thy ways.
45For since the beginning of the world have not men heard nor perceived
by the ear, neither has any eye seen, O God, besides thee, how great things
thou hast prepared for him that waits for thee.
46And it shall be said:
Isaiah 63:1Who is this that comes down from God in heaven with dyed garments; yea,
from the regions which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel,
traveling in the
greatness of his strength?
47And he shall say:
Isaiah 63:1I am he who spake in righteousness, mighty to save.
48And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that
treads in the wine-vat.
49And so great shall be the glory of his presence that the sun shall hide
his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars
shall be hurled from their places.
50And his voice shall be heard:
Isaiah 63:3-4I have trodden the wine-press alone, and have brought judgment upon all
people; and none were with me;
51and I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine
anger, and their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all
my raiment; for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart.
52And now the year of my redeemed is come; and they shall mention the loving
kindness of their Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them according
to his goodness, and
according to his loving kindness, forever and ever.
53In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence
saved them; and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bore
them, and carried them all the days of old;
54yea, and Enoch also, and they who were with him; the prophets who were
before him; and Noah also, and they who
were before him; and Moses also, and they who were before him;
55and from Moses to Elijah, and from Elijah to John, who were with Christ
in his resurrection, and the holy apostles, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
shall be in the presence of the Lamb.
56And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth
and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount
Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the
song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever.
The gospel is sent forth
57And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which
were to be
revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting
covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity-
58to prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and
for the Lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise,
and the little one become a strong nation, and two shall put their tens
of thousands to
flight.
59And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thresh the nations
by the power of his Spirit.
60And for this cause these commandments were given; they were commanded
to be kept from the world in the day that they were given, but now are
to go forth unto all flesh-
61and this according to the mind and will of the Lord, who rules over all
flesh.
62And unto him that repents and sanctifies himself before the Lord shall
be given eternal life.
63And upon them that hearken not to the voice of the Lord shall be fulfilled
that
which was written by the prophet Moses, that they should be cut off from
among the people.
64And also that which was written by the prophet Malachi:
Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day comes that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud,
yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that comes
shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither
root nor branch.
65Wherefore, this shall be the answer of the Lord unto them:
66In that day when I came unto mine own, no man among you received me, and
you were driven out.
Isaiah 50:2
67When I called again there was none of you to answer; yet my arm was not
shortened
at all that I could not redeem, neither my power to deliver.
68Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a wilderness;
their fish stink, and die for thirst.
69I
clothe the heavens with blackness, and make sackcloth their covering.
Isaiah 50:11
70And this shall ye have of my hand-ye shall lie down in sorrow.
71Behold, and lo, there are none to deliver you; for ye obeyed not my voice
when I called to you out of the heavens; ye believed not my servants, and
when they were sent unto you ye received them not.
72Wherefore, they sealed up the testimony and bound up the law, and ye were
delivered over unto darkness.
73These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing,
and gnashing of teeth.
74Behold the Lord your God has spoken it.Amen.
PART OF SECTION 107 RECEIVED
November 11, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
Section 107
1
TRAVELING CHURCH HISTORIAN
69
November 11, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 28
HC 1:234-235
HC: The
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
and Revelations was to be dedicated by prayer to the service of
Almighty God by me; and after I had done this, I inquired of the Lord concerning these things, and
received the following:
1
1Hearken unto me, says the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery's
sake. It is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments
and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go
with him who will be true and faithful.
2Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that my servant, John Whitmer, should go
with my servant Oliver Cowdery;
3and also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all
the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;
4and also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver
Cowdery and others.
5And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the
accounts of their stewardships to the land of Zion;
6for the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all
these things.
7Nevertheless, let my servant John Whitmer travel many times
from place to place, and from church to church, that he may the more easily
obtain knowledge-
8preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all
things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations
that shall
grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation,
forever and ever.Amen.
STEWARDS OVER THE REVELATIONS
70
November 12, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 26
HC 1:235-237
HC: In consequence of the book of revelations being the foundation of the Church in these last days,
and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are
again entrusted to man; and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live
by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God-therefore the conference voted that they
prize the revelations to be worth to the Church the riches of the whole earth, speaking temporally. The
great benefits to the world which result from the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
and the revelations which the Lord
has seen fit in His infinite wisdom to grant unto us for our salvation, and for the salvation of all that will
believe, were duly appreciated; and in answer to an inquiry, I received the following:
1
1Behold, and hearken, O ye inhabitants of Zion, and all ye people of my
church who are afar off, and hear the word of the Lord which I give
unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.,
and also unto my servant Martin Harris,
and also unto my servant Oliver Cowdery,
and also unto my servant John Whitmer,
and also unto my servant Sidney Rigdon,
and also unto my servant William W. Phelps,
by the way of commandment unto them.
2For I give unto them a commandment; wherefore hearken and hear, for thus
saith the Lord unto them-
3I, the Lord, have appointed them, and ordained them to be stewards over
the revelations and commandments which I have given unto them, and which
I shall hereafter give unto them;
4and an account of this stewardship will I require of them in the day of
judgment.
5Wherefore, I have appointed unto them, and this is their business in the
church of God, to manage them and the concerns thereof, yea, the benefits
thereof.
6Wherefore, a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not give these
things unto the church, neither unto the world;
7nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their
necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;
8and the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion, and
unto their generations, inasmuch as they become heirs according to the
laws of the kingdom.
9Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship,
even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any
man.
10And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of
the living God;
11yea, neither the
bishop, neither the agent who keepeth the Lord's storehouse, neither he
who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things.
12He who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy
of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship to administer
in temporal things;
13yea, even more abundantly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through
the manifestations of the Spirit.
14Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not
grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit
shall be withheld.
15Now, this commandment I give unto my servants for their benefit while
they remain, for a manifestation of my blessings upon their heads, and
for a reward of their diligence and for their security;
16for food and for raiment; for an inheritance; for houses and for
lands, in whatsoever circumstances I, the Lord, shall place them, and
whithersoever I, the
Lord, shall send them.
17For they have been faithful over many things, and have done well inasmuch
as they have not sinned.
18Behold, I, the Lord, am merciful and will bless them, and they shall enter
into the joy of these things. Even so.Amen.
PROCLAIM MY GOSPEL UNTO THE WORLD
71
December 1, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 90
HC 1:238-239
HC: I resumed the translation of the Scriptures, and continued to labor in this branch of my calling with
Elder Sidney Rigdon as my scribe, until I received the following:
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and
Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient
in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things
of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures,
according to that portion of Spirit and power
which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
2Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about,
and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall
be made known unto you.
3Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you.
4Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth,
and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations
which are to come.
5Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive
also;
6for unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.
7Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public
and in private; and
inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.
8Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.
9Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you-there is no weapon that is formed
against you shall prosper;
10and if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine
own due time.
11Wherefore, keep my
commandments; they are true and faithful. Even so.Amen.
BISHOP OF OHIO
72
December 4, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 89
HC 1:239-241
HC: Knowing now the mind of the Lord, that the time had come that the Gospel should be proclaimed
in power and demonstration to the world, from the Scriptures, reasoning with men as in days of old, I
took a journey to Kirtland, in company with Elder Sidney Rigdon on the 3rd day of December, to fulfill
the above revelation. On the 4th, several of the Elders and members assembled together to learn their
duty, and for edification, and after some time had been spent in conversing about our temporal and
spiritual welfare, I received the following:
1
1Hearken, and listen to the voice of the Lord, O ye who have assembled
yourselves together, who are the high priests of my church, to whom the
kingdom and power have been given.
2For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me for a bishop to
be appointed unto you, or of you, unto the church in this part of the Lord's
vineyard.
3And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the
Lord, at the hand of every
steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in
eternity.
4For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit
the mansions prepared for him of my Father.
5Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church in this part of my vineyard
shall render an account of their stewardship unto the bishop, who shall
be appointed of me in this part of my vineyard.
6These things shall be had on record, to be handed over unto the bishop
in Zion.
7And the duty of the bishop shall be made known by the commandments which
have been given, and the voice of the conference.
8And now, verily I say unto you, my servant Newel K. Whitney is the man
who shall be appointed and ordained unto this power.
This is the will of the Lord your God, your Redeemer. Even so.Amen.
Duty of the bishop
9The word of the Lord, in addition to the law which has been given, making
known the duty of the bishop who has been ordained unto the church in this
part of the vineyard, which is verily this-
10to keep the Lord's storehouse;
to receive the funds of the church in this part of the vineyard;
11to take an account of the elders as before has been commanded;
and to administer to their wants, who shall pay for that which they receive,
inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay;
12that this also may be consecrated to the good of the church, to the poor
and needy.
13And he who hath not wherewith to pay, an account shall be taken and handed
over to the bishop of Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the
Lord shall put into his hands.
14And the labors of the faithful who labor in spiritual things, in administering
the gospel and the things of the kingdom unto the church, and unto the
world, shall answer the debt unto the bishop in Zion;
15thus it cometh out of the church, for according to the law every man that
cometh up to Zion must lay all things before the bishop in Zion.
16And now, verily I say unto you, that as every elder in this part of the
vineyard must give an account of his stewardship unto the bishop in this
part of the vineyard-
17a certificate
from the judge or bishop in this part of the vineyard, unto the bishop
in Zion, rendereth every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for
an inheritance, and to be received as a wise steward and as a faithful
laborer;
18otherwise he shall not be accepted of the bishop of Zion.
19And now, verily I say unto you, let every elder who shall give an account
unto the bishop of the church in this part of the vineyard be recommended
by the church or
churches, in which he labors, that he may render himself and his accounts
approved in all things.
20And again, let my servants who are appointed as stewards over the literary
concerns of my church have claim for assistance upon the bishop or bishops
in all things-
21that the revelations may be published, and go forth unto the ends of the
earth; that they also may obtain funds which shall benefit the church in
all things;
22that they also may
render themselves approved in all things, and be accounted as wise stewards.
23And now, behold, this shall be an ensample for all the extensive branches
of my church, in whatsoever land they shall be established. And now I make
an end of my sayings.Amen.
24A few words in addition to the laws of the kingdom, respecting the members
of the
church-they that are appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto Zion,
and they who are privileged to go up unto Zion-
25let them carry up unto the bishop a certificate from three elders of the
church, or a certificate from the bishop;
26otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of Zion shall not be accounted
as a wise steward. This is also an ensample.Amen.
RESUME TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE
73
January 10, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 29
HC 1:241-242
HC: From this time until the 8th or 10th of January, 1832, myself and Elder Rigdon continued to preach
in Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, setting forth the truth, vindicating the cause of our
Redeemer; showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the
night; that prejudice, blindness and darkness filled the minds of many, and caused them to persecute
the true Church, and reject the true light; by which means we did much towards allaying the excited
feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the Ohio Star, at
Ravenna, by the before-mentioned apostate, Ezra Booth. On the 10th of January, I received the
following revelation making known the will of the Lord concerning the Elders of the Church until the
convening of the next conference.
1
1For verily, thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me that they should
continue preaching the gospel, and in exhortation to the churches in the
regions round about, until
conference;
2and then, behold, it shall be made known unto them, by the voice of the
conference, their several missions.
3Now, verily I say unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney
Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is expedient to translate again;
4and, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the regions round about
until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of
translation until it be finished.
5And let this be a pattern unto the elders until further knowledge, even
as it is written.
6Now I give no more unto you at this time. Gird up your loins and be sober.
Even so.Amen.
Received On
74
November 1, 1831 - Hiram, Ohio
Section 74
1
MISSIONARIES AND JOURNEYS
75
January 25, 1832 - Amherst, Ohio
1835: 87
HC 1:242-245
HC: The Elders seemed anxious for me to inquire of the Lord that they might know His will, or learn
what would be most pleasing to Him for them to do, in order to bring men to a sense of their
condition; for, as it was written, "all men have gone out of the way, so that none doeth good, no not
one." I inquired and received the following:
1
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, I who speak even by the voice of my Spirit,
even Alpha and Omega, your Lord and your God-
2hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel,
and to prune my vineyard.
3Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and
not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might-
4lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth
according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you.
5And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and
crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.
McLellin departed on his mission but soon questioned whether he had been called by God or by man. On February 25 he decided to stop until he could satisfy his mind on the matter.
6Therefore, verily I say unto my servant William E. McLellin, I revoke
the commission which I gave unto him to go unto the eastern countries;
7and I give unto him a new
commission and a new commandment, in the which I, the Lord, chasten him
for the murmurings of his heart;
8and he sinned; nevertheless, I forgive him and say unto him
again, "Go ye into the south countries."
9And let my servant Luke Johnson go with him, and proclaim the things which
I have commanded them-
10calling on the name of the Lord for the Comforter, which shall teach them
all things that are expedient for them-
11praying always that they faint not; and inasmuch as they do this, I will
be with them even unto the end.
12Behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning you. Even so.Amen.
13And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let my servant Orson Hyde and my
servant
Samuel H. Smith take their journey into the eastern countries, and proclaim
the things
which I have commanded them; and inasmuch as they are faithful, lo, I
will be with them even unto the end.
14And again, verily I say unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and unto my servant
Orson
Pratt, they shall also take their journey into the eastern countries;
and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto the end.
15And again, I say unto my servant Asa Dodds, and unto my servant Calves
Wilson, that they also shall take their journey unto the western countries,
and proclaim my gospel, even as I have commanded them.
16And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted
up at the last day.
17And again, I say unto my servant Major N. Ashley, and my servant Burr
Riggs, let them take their journey also into the south country.
18Yea, let all those take their journey, as I have commanded them, going
from house to house, and from village to village, and from city to city.
19And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they receive you, leave your blessing
upon that house.
20And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they receive you not, ye shall depart
speedily from that house, and shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony
against them.
21And you shall be filled with joy and gladness; and know this, that in
the day of judgment you shall be judges of that house, and condemn them;
22and it shall be more tolerable for the heathen in the day of judgment,
than for that house; therefore, gird up your loins and be faithful, and
ye shall overcome all things, and be lifted up at the last day. Even so.Amen.
23And again, thus says the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church, who
have given your names that you might know his will concerning you-
24Behold, I say unto you, that it is the duty of the church to assist in
supporting the
families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called
and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world.
25Wherefore, I, the Lord, give unto you this commandment, that ye obtain
places for your families, inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open
their hearts.
26And let all such as can obtain places for their families, and support
of the church for them, not fail to go into the world, whether to the east
or to the west, or to the north, or to the south.
27Let them ask and they shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto
them, and be made known from on high, even by the Comforter, whither they
shall go.
28And again, verily I say unto you, that every man who is obliged to provide
for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown;
and let him labor in the
church.
29Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have
place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways.
30Wherefore, let my servant Simeon Carter and my servant Emer Harris be
united in the ministry;
31and also my servant Ezra Thayre and my servant Thomas B. Marsh;
32also my
servant Hyrum Smith and my servant Reynolds Cahoon;
33and also my servant Daniel
Stanton and my servant Seymour Brunson;
34and also my servant Sylvester Smith and my servant Gideon Carter;
35and also my servant Ruggles Eames and my servant Stephen
Burnett;
36and also my servant Micah B. Welton and also my servant Eden Smith. Even
so.Amen.
THE VISION
76
February 16, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 91
HC 1:245-252
HC: I resumed the translation of the Scriptures. From sundry revelations which had been received, it
was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the
BIBLE, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God
rewarded everyone according to the deeds done in the body, the term 'heaven' as intended for the
Saints' eternal home must include more kingdoms that one. Accordingly, on the 16th of February, 1832,
while translating St. John's Gospel, myself and Elder Rigdon saw the following vision:
1
1Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants
thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior.
2Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings
none can find out.
3His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand.
4From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail.
5For thus saith the Lord:
I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight
to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea,
all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages
to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning
all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come
will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven;
and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding
of the prudent shall come to naught.
10For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known
unto them the secrets of my will-yea, even those things which eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.
11We, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, being in the Spirit on the
sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty-two-
12by the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings
were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God-
13even those things which were from the beginning before the world was,
which were ordained of the Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was
in the bosom of the Father, even from the beginning;
14of whom we bear record; and the record which we bear is the fulness of
the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with whom we
conversed in the heavenly vision.
15For while we were doing the work of translation, which the Lord had appointed
unto us, we came to the twenty-ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John,
which was given unto us as follows-
16speaking of the resurrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear
the voice of the Son of Man:
John 5:29
17and shall come forth;
they who have done good, in the resurrection of
KJV lifethe just;
and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of
KJV damnationthe unjust.
18Now this caused us to marvel, for it was given unto us of the Spirit.
Vision of the glory of the Son
19And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of
our
understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about.
20And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and
received of his fulness;
21and saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne,
worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.
22And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this
is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice
bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-
24that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created,
and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
Sons of Perdition
25And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in
authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten
Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust
down from the presence of God and the Son,
26and was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him-he was Lucifer,
a son of the morning.
27And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning!
28And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should
write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil,
who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and
his Christ-
29wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them
round about.
30And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom he made war and
overcame, for thus came the voice of the Lord unto us:
31Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been
made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the
devil to be
overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power-
32They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had
been better for them never to have been born;
33for they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with
the devil and his angels in eternity;
34concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor
in the world to come-
35having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied
the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves
and put him to an open shame.
36These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone,
with the devil and his angels-
37and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power;
38yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of
the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath.
39For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead,
through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in
the bosom of the
Father before the worlds were made.
40And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens
bore record unto us-
41that he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world,
and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse
it from all
unrighteousness;
42that through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power
and made by him;
43who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except
those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed
him.
44Wherefore, he saves all except them-they shall go away into everlasting
punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to
reign with the devil and his
angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched,
which is their torment-
45and the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no
man knows;
46neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man,
except to them who are made partakers thereof;
47nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway
shut it up again;
48wherefore, the end, the width, the height, the
depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except
those who are ordained unto this condemnation.
49And we heard the voice, saying:
Write the vision, for lo, this is the end of the vision of the sufferings
of the ungodly.
THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST
50And again we bear record-for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony
of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection
of the just.
Celestial glory
51They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his
name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in
the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has
given-
52that by keeping the
commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and
receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained
and sealed unto this power;
53and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise,
which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.
54They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.
55They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things-
56they are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness,
and of his glory;
57and are priests of the Most High, after the order of
Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order
of the Only Begotten Son.
58Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God-
59wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present,
or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is
God's.
60And they shall overcome all things.
61Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who
shall subdue all enemies
under his feet.
62These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.
63These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the
clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.
64These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.
65These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.
66These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the
living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.
67These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the
general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.
68These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ
are the judge of all.
69These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator
of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the
shedding of his own blood.
70These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the
sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of
the firmament is written of as being
typical.
Terrestrial glory
71And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are
they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church
of the Firstborn who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that
of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament.
72Behold, these are they who died without law;
73and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son
visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according
to men in the flesh;
74who received not the testimony of Jesus in the
flesh, but afterwards received it.
75These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by
the craftiness of men.
76These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness.
77These are they who
receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father.
78Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and
differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.
79These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore,
they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.
80And now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial,
that the Lord commanded us to write while we were yet in the Spirit.
Telestial glory
81And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, which glory is that of the
lesser, even as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of
the moon in the firmament.
82These are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony
of Jesus.
83These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit.
84These are they who are thrust down to hell.
85These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last
resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished
his work.
86These are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal world, but
of the Holy Spirit through the
ministration of the terrestrial;
87and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial.
88And also the telestial receive it of the administering of angels who are
appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering
spirits for them; for they shall be heirs of salvation.
89And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which
surpasses all understanding;
90and no man knows it except him to whom God has revealed it.
91And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial which excels in all things
the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might,
and in dominion.
92And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things-where
God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever;
93before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory
forever and ever.
94They who dwell in his
presence are the church of the Firstborn; and they see as they are seen,
and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace;
95and he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.
96And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the sun is
one.
97And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the moon
is one.
98And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars
is one; for as one star
differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in
glory in the telestial world;
99For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas.
100These are they who say they are some of one and some of another-some of
Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some
of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch;
101but received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the
prophets, neither the everlasting covenant.
102Last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints,
to be caught up unto the church of the Firstborn, and received into the
cloud.
103These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers,
and whosoever loves and makes a lie.
104These are they who suffer the wrath of God on earth.
105These are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire.
106These are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty
God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies
under his feet, and shall have perfected his work;
107when he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father,
spotless, saying:
I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press
of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.
108Then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne
of his power to reign forever and ever.
109But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial
world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven,
or as the sand upon the seashore;
110and heard the voice of the Lord saying:
These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who
sits upon the throne forever and ever;
111for they shall be judged according to their works, and
every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion,
in the mansions which are prepared;
112and they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ
dwell they cannot come, worlds without end.
113This is the end of the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to
write while we were yet in the Spirit.
114But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of
his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in
glory, and in might, and in dominion;
115which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the
Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter;
116neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen
and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those
who love him, and purify themselves before him;
117to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves;
118that through the power and
manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear
his presence in the world of glory.
119And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion forever and
ever.Amen.
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
77
March 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1876
HC 1:253-255
HC: About the first of March, in connection with the translation of the Scriptures, I received the
following explanation of the Revelation of St. John:
1
1What is the sea of glass spoken of by John, 4th
chapter, and 6th
verse of the Revelation?
It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state.
2What are we to understand by the four beasts, spoken of in the same verse?
They are figurative expressions, used by the Revelator, John, in describing
heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man, and of beasts, and of
creeping things, and of the fowls of the air; that which is spiritual being
in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in
the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the
likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other
creature which God has created.
3Are the four beasts limited to individual beasts, or do they represent classes or orders?
They are limited to four individual beasts, which were shown to John,
to represent the glory of the classes of beings in their destined order
or sphere of creation, in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity.
4What are we to understand by the eyes and wings, which the beasts had?
Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge, that is, they
are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of power, to
move, to act, etc.
5What are we to understand by the four and twenty elders, spoken of by John?
We are to understand that these elders whom John saw, were elders who
had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead; who belonged
to the seven churches, and were then in the paradise of God.
6What are we to understand by the book which John saw, which was sealed on the back with seven seals?
We are to understand that it contains the revealed will, mysteries, and
the works of God; the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth
during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence.
7What are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was sealed?
We are to understand that the first seal contains the things of the first
thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand years, and so
on until the seventh.
8What are we to understand by the four angels, spoken of in the 7th
chapter and 1st
verse of Revelation?
We are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from God, to
whom is given power over the four parts of the earth, to save life and
to destroy; these are they who have the everlasting gospel to commit to
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; having power to shut up the
heavens, to seal up unto life, or to cast down to the regions of
darkness.
9What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east, Revelation 7th
chapter and 2nd
verse?
We are to understand that the angel ascending from the east is he to whom
is given the seal of the living God over the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore,
he crieth unto the four angels having the everlasting gospel, saying:
Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And, if you will receive it, this is Elias which was to come to gather
together the tribes of Israel and restore all things.
10What time are the things spoken of in this chapter to be accomplished?
They are to be accomplished in the sixth thousand years, or the opening
of the sixth seal.
11What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel-twelve thousand out of every tribe?
We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained
unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they
are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people,
by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to
bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn.
12What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th
chapter of Revelation?
We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the
seventh day he
finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust
of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will
the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and
judge all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which he hath
not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all things, unto the
end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels
are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh
thousand years-the preparing of the way before the time of his coming.
13When are the things to be accomplished, which are written in the 9th
chapter of Revelation?
They are to be accomplished after the opening of the seventh seal, before
the coming of Christ.
14What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th
chapter of Revelation?
We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him
to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written,
must come and restore all things.
15What is to be understood by the two witnesses, in the 11th
chapter of Revelation?
They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in
the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews
after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land
of their fathers.
ORGANIZE THE STOREHOUSE
78
March 1, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 75
HC 1:255-257
HC: The order given of the Lord to Joseph Smith, Jr., for the purpose of establishing the poor.
1
1The Lord spake unto Joseph Smith, Jun., saying:
Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, who are ordained unto the high
priesthood of my church, who have assembled yourselves together;
2and listen to the counsel of him
who has ordained you from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words
of wisdom, that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have
presented before me, saith the Lord God.
3For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and
behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people,
in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor
of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion-
4for a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church,
to
advance the cause, which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and
to the glory of your Father who is in heaven;
5that you may be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea,
and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things.
6For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining
heavenly things;
7for if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you
must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you
and required of you.
8And now, verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient that all things be
done unto my glory, by you who are joined together in this order;
9or, in other words, let my servant Newel K. Whitney and my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun., and my servant Sidney Rigdon sit in council with the saints
which are in Zion;
10otherwise Satan seeketh to turn their hearts away from the truth, that
they become blinded and understand not the things which are prepared for
them.
11Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, to prepare and organize yourselves
by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken.
12And he who breaks it shall lose his office and standing in the church,
and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of
redemption.
13Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation,
and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the
commandments which are given you;
14that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall
descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other
creatures beneath the celestial world;
15that you may come up unto the crown prepared for you, and be made rulers
over many kingdoms, saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath
established the foundations of Adam-ondi-Ahman;
16who hath appointed
Michael your prince, and established his feet, and set him upon high,
and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction
of the Holy One, who is without beginning of days or end of life.
17Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not
as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands
and prepared for you;
18and ye
cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will
lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours,
and the riches of eternity are yours.
19And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious;
and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold,
yea, more.
20Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer,
even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you;
21for ye are the church of the Firstborn, and he will take you up in a cloud,
and appoint every man his portion.
22And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things.Amen.
The route of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newell Whitney to sit in council with the
Saints in Zion.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
JARED CARTER
79
March 12, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 76
HC 1:257
Jared Carter spent much of late 1831 and early 1832 proselytizing in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and
Vermont. A few weeks after returning home to Amherst, Ohio, he traveled to Hiram, Ohio, where
Joseph Smith was living. Carter recorded in his journal that the purpose of his trip was to visit the Seer to inquire the will of the Lord concerning his ministry the ensuing season.
1
1Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Jared Carter
should go again into the eastern countries, from place to place, and from
city to city, in the power of the
ordination wherewith he has been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of
great joy, even the everlasting gospel.
2And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth
and the way whither he shall go;
3and inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him again with sheaves.
4Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant Jared Carter, and fear not,
saith your Lord, even Jesus Christ.Amen.
STEPHEN BURNETT
80
March 7, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 77
HC 1:257
Stephen Burnett was ordained to the high priesthood at the October 1831 conference when he was
seventeen. At the January 25, 1832 conference in Amherst, Ohio, Joseph dictated a revelation
appointing Burnett to travel and preach with Ruggles Eames. This revelation appointed Burnett to
travel and preach again, this time with Eden Smith. However, the two did not preach together until
August 1832 because Eden Smith became sick and remained ill for some time. Instead, two weeks after
this revelation was dictated, Burnett began his mission with John Smith, Eden's father.
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Stephen Burnett: Go ye,
go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature that comes
under the sound of your voice.
2And inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will give unto you my servant
Eden Smith.
3Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the
south, to the east
or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.
4Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe,
and know to be true.
5Behold, this is the will of him who has called you, your Redeemer, even
Jesus Christ.Amen.
OFFICE OF COUNSELOR
81
March 15, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 79
HC 1:257-258
On March 8, 1832, Joseph appointed Jesse Gause and Sidney Rigdon as counselors "of the ministry of
the presidency of the high Priesthood." Gause had only recently been baptized sometime in late 1831
or early 1832. This revelation initially addressed Gause and his duties as counselor. In January 1833,
Frederick G. Williams replaced Gause as counselor. Sometime before the 1835
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
was published, Gause's name was crossed out in the manuscript and replaced with Williams' name.
1
1Verily, verily, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams: Listen
to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and
hearken to the calling
wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a
counselor unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.;
2unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto
the Presidency of the High Priesthood:
3Therefore, verily I acknowledge him and will bless him, and also thee,
inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel, in the office which I have appointed
unto you, in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in
private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of
the living, and among thy brethren.
4And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow
beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord.
5Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto
you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen
the feeble knees.
6And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality,
and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of
my Father.
7Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.Amen.
DUTY OF BISHOPS
March 1832 - Ohio
JSP
D&C 78 called for the establishment of a firm to oversee the church's publishing and mercantile
efforts, declaring that such a firm would help the church in its quest to be "equal in earthly things." The
firm's mandate overlapped somewhat with Whitney's and Partridge's financial responsibilities as
bishops. Joseph received this revelation between March 8th and 24th.
1
Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Sidney Rigdon and Joseph.
I reveal unto you, for your own profit and instruction, concerning the
Bishops of my church: what is their duty in the church. Behold, it is their
duty to stand in the office of their bishopric, and to fill the judgement
seat which I have appointed unto them to, and to administer the benefits
of the church or the overplus of all who are in their stewardships, according
to the commandments as they are severly appointed. And the property, or
that which they
receive of the church, is not their own but belongeth to the church, wherefore
it is the property of the Lord. And it is for the poor of the church, to
be administered according to the law. For it is the will of the Lord that
the church should be made equal in all things.
Wherefore the bishops are accountable before the Lord for their stewardships,
to
administer of their stewardship, in the which they are appointed by commandment
jointly with you, my servants unto the Lord, as well as you my servants,
or the rest of the church, that the benefits of all may be dedicated unto
the Lord, that the Lords storehouse may be filled always, that ye may all
grow in temporal as well as spiritual things.
And now, verily I say unto you, the bishops must needs be separated unto
their bishoprics and judgement seats from care of business, but not from
claim neither from council.
Wherefore I have given unto you commandment that you should be joined
together by covenant and bond, wherefore see that ye do even as I have
commanded.
And unto the office of the presidency of the high Priesthood I have given
authority to
preside with the assistance of his councilors over all the concerns of
the church, wherefore stand ye fast. Claim your priesthood in authority
yet in meekness. And I am able to make you abound and be fruitful and you
shall never fall, for unto you I have given the keys of the kingdom, and
if you transgress not they shall never be taken from you, wherefore feed
my sheep. Even so, Amen.
FORMING THE UNITED FIRM
82
April 1832 - Jackson County, Missouri
1835: 86
HC 1:267-269
HC: On the 26th, I called a general council of the Church ... During the intermission, a difficulty or
hardness which had existed between Bishop Partridge and Elder Rigdon was amicably settled, and
when we came together in the afternoon, all hearts seemed to rejoice and I received the following:
1
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have
forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.
2Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly; yea,
even all of you have sinned; but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth,
and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads.
3For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against
the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.
4Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch
as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors;
and justice and
judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.
5Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all:
Watch, for the adversary spreads his dominions, and darkness reigneth;
6and the anger of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and
none doeth good, for all have gone out of the way.
7And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your
charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall
the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.
8And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you
may
understand my will concerning you;
9or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before
me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
10I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I
say, ye have no promise.
11Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my servants
Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney, A. Sidney Gilbert and Sidney Rigdon,
and my servant Joseph
Smith, and John Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, and W. W. Phelps and Martin
Harris to be bound together by a bond and covenant that cannot be broken
by transgression, except
judgment shall immediately follow, in your several stewardships-
12to manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the bishopric
both in the land of Zion and in the land of Kirtland;
13for I have consecrated the land of Kirtland in mine own due time for the
benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a stake to Zion.
14For Zion must
increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her
stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise
and put on her beautiful
garments.
15Therefore, I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by
this covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord.
16Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good.
17And you are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims
on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships,
every man
according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just-
18and all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every
man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents,
yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become
the common property of the whole church-
19every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with
an eye single to the glory of God.
20This order I have appointed to be an everlasting order unto you, and unto
your
successors, inasmuch as you sin not.
21And the soul that sins against this covenant, and
hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws
of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until
the day of redemption.
22And now, verily I say unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto yourselves
friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you.
23Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be
with you; my blessings continue with you.
24For even yet the kingdom is yours, and shall be forever, if you fall not
from your steadfastness. Even so.Amen.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN
83
April 1832 - Jackson County, Missouri
1835: 88
HC 1:269-270
Previous revelations on the law of consecration did not address what claims a widow had on property
her husband had consecrated to the church or what would happen to children who lost their fathers.
HC: On the 30th I returned to Independence, and again sat in council with the brethren, and received
the following:
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the laws of the church concerning
women and children, those who belong to the church, who have lost their
husbands or fathers:
2Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their
husbands are taken; and if they are not found transgressors they shall
have fellowship in the church.
3And if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the church;
yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the
land.
4All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until
they are of age.
5And after that, they have claim upon the church, or in other words upon
the Lord's storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them
inheritances.
6And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and
widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor.Amen.
JOHN MURDOCK
99
August 29, 1832 - Hiram, Ohio
1835: 78
Following his baptism in Kirtland in November 1830, Murdock spent much time as a traveling
missionary. In early 1831, Murdock decided to devote himself "full time to the ministry" and moved his
family in with another family so that he could do so. In June 1831, D&C 52 instructed him to go to Missouri, "preaching the word by the way." Murdock departed for Missouri despite the recent death of
his wife during childbirth, which left him with five children under the age of seven, including newborn
twins. Before leaving, he arranged for several individuals to watch over his older children; Joseph and
Emma Smith adopted the twins.
When he returned to Hiram, Ohio, in June 1832, he found that one of the twins had died in March. In
addition, those with whom he had left his three older children demanded payment for their help.
1
1Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Murdock-thou art called
to go into the eastern countries from house to house, from village to village,
and from city to city, to proclaim mine everlasting gospel unto the inhabitants
thereof, in the midst of persecution and wickedness.
2And who receiveth you receiveth me; and you shall have power to
declare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit.
3And who receiveth you as a
little child, receiveth my kingdom; and blessed are they, for they shall
obtain mercy.
4And whoso rejecteth you shall be rejected of my Father and his house;
and you shall cleanse your feet in the secret places by the way for a testimony
against them.
5And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to convince all of their
ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of
me in the volume of the book.
6And now, verily I say unto you, that it is not expedient that you should
go until your children are provided for, and sent up kindly unto the bishop
of Zion.
7And after a few
years, if thou desirest of me, thou mayest go up also unto the goodly
land, to possess thine inheritance;
8otherwise thou shalt continue proclaiming my gospel until thou be taken.Amen.
1832 HISTORY WRITTEN
Summer, 1832
1832 Account
1
PRIESTHOOD
84
September 22 & 23, 1832 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 4
HC 1:286-295
HC: The Elders during the month of September began to return from their missions to the Eastern
States, and present the histories of their several stewardships in the Lord's vineyard; and while
together in these seasons of joy, I inquired of the Lord, and received on the 22nd and 23rd of
September, the following revelation on Priesthood:
1
September 22
1A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united
their hearts and lifted their voices on high.
2Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church,
established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his
prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of
New Jerusalem.
3Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the
finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of
Joseph Smith, Jr., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall
be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even
the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall
be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall
be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
6And the sons of Moses, according to the Holy Priesthood
which he received under the hand of his father-in-law, Jethro;
7And Jethro received it under the hand of Caleb;
8And Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu;
9And Elihu under the hand of Jeremy;
10And Jeremy under the hand of Gad;
11And Gad under the hand of Esaias;
12And Esaias received it under the hand of God.
13Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and was blessed of him-
14which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek,
who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah;
15And from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fathers;
16And from Enoch to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother,
who received the priesthood by the commandments of God, by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man-
Priesthood overview
17Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and
is without beginning of days or end of years.
18And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout
all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and
abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of
God.
19And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key
of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood,
the power of godliness is not manifest unto
men in the flesh;
22for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and
live.
23Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness,
and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the
face of God;
24but they
hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the
Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they
should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the
fulness of his glory.
25Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26and the
lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering
of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission
of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath
caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel
until John,
whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's
womb.
28For he was baptized while he was yet
in the wombin his childhood,
and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old
unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews,
and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people,
to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all
power.
29And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging
unto the high priesthood.
30And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages
belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon
Aaron and his sons.
31Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses-for the sons of Moses
and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice
in the house of the Lord,
which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the
consecrated spot as I have appointed-
32and the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the
Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye; and also
many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church.
33For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which
I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the
Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
34They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and
the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
35And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36for he that
receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore
all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the
priesthood.
40Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and
covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.
41But whoso breaketh this
covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom,
shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.
42And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have
received, which I now confirm upon you
who are present
this day, viz the 23rd day of September AD 1832. Eleven high priests save onethis day,
by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly
hosts and mine angels charge concerning you.
43And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves,
to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
44For you shall live by every word that
proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
45For the word of the Lord is truth, and
whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even
the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
46And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and
the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to
the voice of the Spirit.
47And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God,
even the Father.
48And the Father teacheth him of the covenant which he has renewed and
confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not
for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world.
49And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under
the bondage of sin.
50And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they
come not unto me.
51For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52And whoso
receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
53And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole
world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.
54And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and
because you have treated lightly the things you have received-
55which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
56And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
57And they shall remain under this condemnation until they
repent and remember the new covenant, even the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say,
but to do according to that
which I have written-
58that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise
there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children
of Zion.
59For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I
say unto you, Nay.
60Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice,
blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things;
61for I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment-that you remain
steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing
testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated
unto you.
62Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot
go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world
unto every creature.
63And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are
mine apostles, even God's high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath
given me; ye are my friends;
64therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again, that every
soul who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water for the remission
of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost.
Signs of them that believe
65And these signs shall follow them that believe-
66In my name they shall do many wonderful works;
67In my name they shall cast out devils;
68In my name they shall heal the sick;
69In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf;
70and the tongue of the dumb shall speak;
71And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them;
72And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them.
73But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves
of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things
are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.
74Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and
are not baptized in water in my name, for the remission of their sins,
that they may receive the Holy
Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father's kingdom where
my Father and I am.
75And this revelation unto you, and commandment, is in force from this very
hour upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have not received
it.
76But, verily I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given-from
you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent of their former
evil works; for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief,
and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I
sent you.
Commandments for those who preach
77And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call
you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that
ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to
preach the gospel in my power;
78for I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats.
79Behold, I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is worthy of
his hire.
80And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail
not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in
mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint; and a hair of
his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go
hungry, neither athirst.
81Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed.
82For, consider the lilies of the field, how they
grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world,
in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these.
83For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these
things.
84Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.
85Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up
in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you
in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
86Therefore, let no man among you, for this commandment is unto all the
faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry, from this
hour take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the
kingdom.
87Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds,
and to teach them of a judgment which is to come.
88And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your
face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall
be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
89Whoso receiveth you receiveth me; and the same will feed you, and clothe
you, and give you money.
90And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in nowise
lose his reward.
91And he that doeth not these things is not my disciple; by this you may
know my disciples.
92He that receiveth you not, go away from him alone by yourselves, and cleanse
your feet even with water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and
bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven, and return not
again unto that man.
93And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do likewise.
94Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not; and wo unto that house,
or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony
concerning me.
95Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth
you, or your words, or your testimony of me;
96for I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them
for their wickedness.
97And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth
until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness-
98until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest,
and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to
eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this
new song, saying:
99The Lord hath brought again Zion;
The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,
According to the election of grace,
Which was brought to pass by the faith
And covenant of their fathers.
100The Lord has redeemed his people;
And Satan is bound and time is no longer.
The Lord hath gathered all things in one.
The Lord hath brought down Zion from above.
The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.
101The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength;
And truth is established in her bowels;
And the heavens have smiled upon her;
And she is clothed with the glory of her God;
For he stands in the midst of his people.
102Glory, and honor, and power, and might,
Be ascribed to our God;
For he is full of mercy,
Justice, grace and truth, and peace,
Forever and ever, amen.
September 23
103And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, it is expedient that every
man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as
they have families, and receive money by gift, that they should send it
unto them or make use of it for their benefit, as the Lord shall direct
them, for thus it seemeth me good.
104And let all those who have not families, who receive money, send it up
unto the bishop in Zion, or unto the bishop in
Ohio, that it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations
and the printing thereof, and for establishing Zion.
105And if any man shall give unto any of you a coat, or a suit, take the
old and cast it unto the poor, and go on your way rejoicing.
106And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him
him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become
strong also.
107Therefore, take with you those who are ordained unto the
lesser priesthood, and send them before you to make appointments, and
to prepare the
way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are not able to fill.
108Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days, built up
my church unto me.
109Therefore, let
every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let
not the head say
unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall
the body be able to stand?
110Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together,
that the system may be kept perfect.
111And behold, the high priests should travel, and also the elders, and also
the lesser priests; but the deacons and teachers should be appointed to
watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church.
112And the bishop, Newel K. Whitney, also should travel round about and among
all the churches, searching after the poor to administer to their wants
by humbling the rich and the proud.
113He should also employ an agent to take charge and to do his secular business
as he shall direct.
114Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city of New York, also to the
city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of
those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation
and utter abolishment which
await them if they do reject these things.
115For if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is nigh,
and their house shall be left unto them desolate.
116Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and a hair of his
head shall not fall to the ground
unnoticed.
117And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth as your
circumstances shall permit, in your several callings, unto the great and
notable cities and villages,
reproving the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly
deeds, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination
in the last days.
118For, with you saith the Lord Almighty, I will rend their kingdoms; I will
not only shake the earth, but the starry heavens shall tremble.
119For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven;
ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know
that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people.
120I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.Amen.
NAMES IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW
85
November 27, 1832 - Kirtland, Ohio
1876
HC 1:298-299
HC: In answer to letters received from the brethren in Missouri, I wrote as follows:
1
1It is the duty of the Lord's clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history,
and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of
all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from
the bishop;
2and also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the
apostates who apostatize after receiving their
inheritances.
3It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive
not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has
given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of
vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people
of God.
4Neither is their genealogy to be kept, or to be had where it may be found
on any of the records or history of the church.
5Their names shall not be found, neither the names of the fathers, nor
the names of the children written in the book of the law of God, saith
the Lord of Hosts.
6Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth
all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh
manifest, saying:
7And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and
strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for
a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels
shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to
arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints
whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children,
enrolled in the book of the law of God;
8while that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth
his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft
of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning.
9And all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall
find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their
portion shall be appointed them among
unbelievers, where are wailing and gnashing of teeth.
10These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he
will also fulfil.
11And they who are of the High Priesthood, whose names are not found written
in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have
been cut off from the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the
members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of
the Most High;
12therefore, it shall be done unto them as
unto the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in the second
chapter and sixty- first and second verses of Ezra.
PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND THE TARES
86
December 6, 1832 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 6
HC 1:300
HC: On the 6th
of December, 1832, I received the following revelation explaining the parable of the
wheat and tares:
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, concerning the parable
of the wheat and of the tares:
2Behold, verily I say, the field was the world, and the apostles were the
sowers of the seed;
3and after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church,
the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink
of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign-behold
he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the
church into the wilderness.
4But behold, in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to
bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender-
5behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day
and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the
fields;
6but the Lord says unto them:
KJV Matthew 13:30 Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.
Pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your
faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
7Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together
until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat
from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and
lo, the tares are bound in
bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned.
8Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the priesthood hath
continued through the lineage of your fathers-
9for ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from
the world with Christ in God-
10therefore your life and the
priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage
until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy
prophets since the world began.
11Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto
the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel.
The Lord hath said it.Amen.
PROPHECY ON WAR
87
December 25, 1832 - Kirtland, Ohio
1876
HC 1:301-302
HC: Appearances of troubles among the nations became more visible this season than they had
previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness. The ravages of the cholera
were frightful in almost all the large cities on the globe. The plague broke out in India, while the United
States, amid all her pomp and greatness, was threatened with immediate dissolution. The people of
South Carolina, in convention assembled in November, passed ordinances, declaring their state a free
and independent nation; and appointed Thursday, the 31st day of January, 1833, as a day of
humiliation and prayer, to implore Almighty God to vouchsafe His blessings, and restore liberty and
happiness within their borders. President Jackson issued his proclamation against this rebellion, called
out a force sufficient to quell it, and implored the blessings of God to assist the nation to extricate itself
from the horrors of the approaching and solemn crisis. On Christmas day, I received the following
revelation and prophecy on war.
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come
to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually
terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
2and the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning
at this place.
3For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern
States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation
of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other
nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then
war shall be poured out upon all nations.
4And
it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their
masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.
5And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who
are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly
angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.
6And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth
shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder
of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants
of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and
indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption
decreed hath made a full end of all nations;
7that the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease
to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be
avenged of their enemies.
8Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of
the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord.Amen.
THE OLIVE LEAF
88
December 27, 1832 & January 3, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 7
HC 1:302-312
HC: Two days after the preceding prophecy, on the 27th of December, I received the following:
A revelation given the first Elders of this Church of Christ in the last days.
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together
to receive his will concerning you:
2Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels rejoice over you;
the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth,
and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified, even them
of the celestial world.
3Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends,
that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which
other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded
in the testimony of John.
4This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even
the glory of the
celestial kingdom;
5which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest
of all, through Jesus Christ his Son-
Light and glory, kingdoms and laws
6He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in
that he
comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things,
the light of truth;
7which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ.
As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun,
and the power thereof by which it was made.
8As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon,
and the power thereof by which it was made;
9as also the light of the stars,
and the power thereof by which they were made;
10and the earth also,
and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
11And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who
enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
12which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity
of space-
13the light
which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the
law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth
upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of
all things.
14Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made
for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead.
15And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.
16And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.
17And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things,
in whose bosom it is
decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.
18Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that
it may be prepared for the celestial glory;
19for after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned
with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;
20that bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and
ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent
are they sanctified.
21And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto
you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of
a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.
22For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom
cannot abide a celestial glory.
23And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom
cannot abide a terrestrial glory.
24And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom
cannot abide a telestial glory;
therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory.
Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.
25And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial
kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth
not the law-
26wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die,
it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened,
and the righteous shall inherit it.
27For notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual
body.
28They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was
a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall
be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.
29Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory
shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.
30And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory
shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.
31And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory
shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.
32And they who remain shall also be quickened;
nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place,
to enjoy that which they are willing to receive,
because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.
33For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive
not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him,
neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.
34And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also
preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.
35That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become
a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth
in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment.
Therefore, they must remain filthy still.
36All kingdoms have a law given;
37and there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there
is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either
a greater or a lesser kingdom.
38And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every
law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
39All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified.
40For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence;
Wisdom receiveth wisdom;
Truth embraceth truth;
Virtue loveth virtue;
Light cleaveth unto light;
Mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own;
Justice continueth its course and claimeth its own;
Judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.
41He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things
are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and
is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are
by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever.
42And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things,
by which they move in their times and their seasons;
43and their courses are fixed, even the courses of the heavens and the earth,
which comprehend the earth and all the planets.
44And they give
light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes,
in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their
years-all these are one year with God, but not with man.
45The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and
the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light,
as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power
of God.
Parable of the twelve servants
46Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand?
47Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least
of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.
48I say unto you, he hath seen him; nevertheless, he who came unto his own
was not comprehended.
49The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall
comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him.
50Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the
true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye
could not abound.
51Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field, and he
sent forth his
servants into the field to dig in the field.
52And he said unto the first, "Go ye and labor in the field, and in the
first hour I will come unto you, and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance."
53And he said unto the second, "Go ye also into the field, and in the second
hour I will visit you with the joy of my countenance."
54And also unto the third, saying, "I will visit you;"
55and unto the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth.
56And the lord of the field went unto the first in the first hour, and tarried
with him all that hour, and he was made glad with the light of the countenance
of his lord.
57And then he withdrew from the first that he might visit the second also,
and the third, and the
fourth, and so on unto the twelfth.
58And thus they all received the light of the
countenance of their lord, every man in his hour, and in his time, and
in his season-
59beginning at the first, and so on unto the last, and from the last unto
the first, and from the first unto the last;
60every man in his own order, until his hour was finished, even
according as his lord had commanded him, that his lord might be glorified
in him, and he in his lord, that they all might be glorified.
61Therefore, unto this parable I will liken all these kingdoms, and the
inhabitants thereof- every kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and in
its season, even according to the decree which God hath made.
First laborers in this last kingdom
62And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with
you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you,
that ye shall call upon me while I am near-
63draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and
ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you.
64Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that
is expedient for you;
65and if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto
your condemnation.
66Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness-in
the wilderness, because you cannot see him-my voice, because my voice is Spirit;
my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you
it shall abound.
67And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled
with light, and there shall be no
darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth
all things.
68Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and
the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face
unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according
to his own will.
69Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away
your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you.
70Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and
call a solemn assembly, even of those who are the first laborers in this
last kingdom.
71And let those whom they have warned in their traveling call on the Lord,
and ponder the
warning in their hearts which they have received, for a little season.
72Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up elders
and send unto them.
73Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.
74And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom,
a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize
yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify
your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may
make you clean;
75that I may
testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean
from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise,
this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will.
76Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and
fasting from this time forth.
77And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the
doctrine of the kingdom.
78Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed
more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the
gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient
for you to
understand;
79of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things
which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass;
things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities
of the nations, and the
judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and
of kingdoms-
80that ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify
the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have
commissioned you.
81Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh
every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
82Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their
own heads.
83He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.
84Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in
your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many
as the mouth of the
Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to
prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;
85that their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination
which awaits the wicked, both in this world and in the world to come.
Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue
in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their
time is not yet come; their garments are not clean from the blood of this
generation.
86Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves
in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.
Last days
87For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro
as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to
give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall
become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that
falleth from off a fig tree.
88And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
89For after your testimony cometh the testimony of
earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall
fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
90And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice
of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of
the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
91And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail
them; for fear shall come upon all people.
92And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice,
sounding the trump of God, saying:
Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of
our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet
him.
93And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people
shall see it together.
94And another angel shall sound his trump, saying:
That great church, the mother of abominations, that made all nations drink
of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints
of God, that shed
their blood-she who sits upon many waters, and upon the islands of the
sea-behold, she is the tares of the earth; she is bound in bundles; her
bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready to
be burned.
And he shall sound his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall
hear it.
95And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and
immediately after shall the
curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled
up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled;
96And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened
and be caught up to meet him.
97And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their
graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in
the midst of the pillar of heaven-
98they are Christ's, the first fruits, they who shall descend with him first,
and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are first caught
up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump
of the angel of God.
99And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and
then comes the redemption of those who are Christ's at his coming; who
have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that
they might receive the gospel, and be judged
according to men in the flesh.
100And again, another trump shall sound, which is the third trump; and then
cometh the spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under condemnation;
101and these are the rest of the dead; and they live not again until the
thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth.
102And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying:
There are found among those who are to remain until that great and last
day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still.
103And another trump shall sound, which is the fifth trump, which is the
fifth angel who committeth the everlasting gospel-flying through the midst
of heaven, unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people;
104and this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in
heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth-for every ear shall hear
it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they
hear the sound of the trump, saying:
Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and
ever; for the hour of his judgment is come.
105And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the sixth angel, saying:
She is fallen who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication; she is fallen, is fallen!
106And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the seventh angel, saying:
It is finished; it is finished! The Lamb of God hath overcome and trodden
the wine- press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath
of Almighty God.
107And then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of his might, and
the saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their inheritance
and be made equal with him.
108And then shall the first angel again sound his trump in the ears of all
living, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the mighty works of God
in the first thousand years.
109And then shall the second angel sound his trump, and reveal the secret
acts of men, and the thoughts and intents of their hearts, and the mighty
works of God in the second thousand years-
110and so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump; and he shall
stand forth upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name of him
who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer; and Satan
shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not
be loosed for the space of a thousand years.
111And then he shall be loosed for a little season, that he may gather together
his armies.
112And Michael, the seventh angel, even the archangel, shall gather together
his armies, even the hosts of heaven.
113And the devil shall gather together his armies; even the hosts
of hell, and shall come up to battle against Michael and his armies.
114And then cometh the battle of the great God; and the devil and his armies
shall be cast away into their own
place, that they shall not have power over the saints any more at all.
115For Michael shall fight their battles, and shall overcome him who seeketh
the throne of him who sitteth
upon the throne, even the Lamb.
116This is the glory of God, and the sanctified; and they shall not any more
see death.
Establish a house
117Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn assembly,
as I have commanded you.
118And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words
of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning,
even by study and also by faith.
119Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and
establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house
of faith, a house of
learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120that your incomings may be
in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the
Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted
hands unto the Most High.
121Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from
all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and
from all your wicked doings.
122Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once;
but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when
all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may
have an equal privilege.
123See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one
to another as the gospel requires.
124Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another;
cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye
may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with
a mantle,
which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will
come quickly, and receive you unto myself.Amen.
January 3, 1833
Instructions how to regulate the Elders school
127And again, the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school
of the prophets, established for their instruction in all things that are
expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other
words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at
the high priests, even down to the deacons-
128and this shall be the order of the house of the presidency of the school:
He that is appointed to be president, or teacher, shall be found standing
in his place, in the house which shall be prepared for him.
129Therefore, he shall be first in the house of God, in a place that the
congregation in the house may hear his words carefully and distinctly,
not with loud speech.
130And when he cometh into the house of God, for he should be first in the
house-behold, this is beautiful, that he may be an example-
131let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees before God, in token or
remembrance of the everlasting
covenant.
132And when any shall come in after him, let the teacher arise, and, with
uplifted hands to heaven, yea, even directly, salute his brother or brethren
with these words:
133Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant
I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable,
and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God
in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless,
in thanksgiving, forever and ever.Amen.
134And he that is found unworthy of this salutation shall not have place
among you; for ye shall not suffer that mine house shall be polluted by
him.
135And he that cometh in and is faithful before me, and is a brother, or
if they be brethren, they shall salute the president
or teacher with uplifted hands to heaven, with this same prayer and covenant,
or by saying Amen, in token of the same.
136Behold, verily, I say unto you, this is an ensample unto you for a salutation
to one another in the house of God, in the school of the prophets.
137And ye are called to do this by prayer and thanksgiving, as the Spirit
shall give utterance in all your doings in the house of the Lord, in the
school of the prophets, that it may become a sanctuary, a
tabernacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification.
Washing of feet
138And ye shall not receive any among you into this school save he is clean
from the blood of this generation;
139and he shall be received by the ordinance of the washing of feet, for
unto this end was the ordinance of the washing of feet instituted.
140And again, the
ordinance of washing feet is to be administered by the president, or presiding
elder of the church.
141It is to be commenced with prayer; and after partaking of bread and wine,
he is
to gird himself according to the pattern given in the thirteenth chapter
of John's testimony concerning me.Amen.
LETTER TO NOAH SAXTON
January 4, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1:313-316
D&C 88:81 said "I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becomes every man who has
been warned to warn his neighbor." Just a few days later, Joseph wrote this letter to Noah Saxton,
editor of the American Revivalist, and Rochester Observer, which proclaimed that it was "DEDICATED
TO THE INTERESTS OF ZION GENERALLY, AND ESPECIALLY TO REVIVALS OF RELIGION." In February
1833, Joseph wrote another letter to Saxton, complaining that the editor had published only a portion
of the original letter. Joseph warned him to publish the entire letter, but Saxton did not.
1
Considering the liberal principles upon which your interesting and valuable
paper is published and myself being a subscriber and feeling a deep interest
in the cause of Zion and in the happiness of my brethren of mankind, I
cheerfully take up my pen to
contribute my mite at this very interesting and important period.
For some length of time I have been carefully viewing the state of things
as now appear throughout our Christian land, and have looked at it with
feelings of the most painful anxiety. While upon the one hand beholding
the manifest withdrawal of God's Holy
Spirit and the veil of stupidity which seems to be drawn over the hearts
of the people, and upon the other hand beholding the judgments of God that
have swept and are still
sweeping hundreds and thousands of our race (and I fear unprepared) down
to the shades of death. With this solemn and alarming fact before me I
am led to exclaim
Jeremiah 9:1"O that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain
of tears that I might weep day and night, etc."
I think that it is high time for a Christian world to awake out of sleep
and cry mightily to that God day and night whose anger we have justly incurred.
Are not these things a
sufficient stimulant to arouse the faculties and call forth the energies
of every man, woman, and child that possesses feeling of sympathy for his
fellows, or that is in any degree endeared to the budding cause of our
glorious Lord. I leave an intelligent community to answer this important
question with a confession that this is what has
caused me to overlook my own inability and expose my weakness to a learned
world. But trusting in that God who has said these things are hid from
the wise and prudent and
revealed unto babes, I step forth into the field to tell you what the
Lord is doing and what you must do to enjoy the smiles of your Savior in
these last days.
The time has at last arrived when the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of
Jacob, has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of
his people which have been left
from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, etc., and from the islands
of the sea, and with them to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles and establish
that covenant with them
which was promised when their sins should be taken away (see Romans 11:25
27 and also Jeremiah 31:31
32 and 33:11).
This covenant has never been established with the house of Israel nor
with the house of
Judah for it requires two parties to make a covenant, and those two parties
must be agreed or no covenant can be made. Christ in the days of his flesh
proposed to make a covenant with them but they rejected him and his proposals,
and in consequence thereof they were broken off and no covenant was made
with them at that time. But their unbelief has not
rendered the promise of God of none effect; no, for there was another
day limited in David which was the day of his power. And then his people
Israel should be a willing
people and he would write his laws in their hearts and print them in their
thoughts. Their sins and their iniquities he would remember no more.
Thus after this chosen family had rejected Christ and his proposals, the
heralds of salvation said to them, "Lo we turn unto the Gentiles,
and the Gentiles received the covenant and were grafted in from whence
the chosen family were broken off. But the Gentiles have not continued
in the goodness of God but have departed from the faith that was once
delivered to the saints and have broken the covenant in which their fathers
were
established (see Isaiah 24:5), and have become high minded and have not
feared therefore but few of them will be gathered with the chosen family.
Has not the pride, high-mindedness, and unbelief of the Gentiles provoked
the Holy One of Israel to withdraw his Holy Spirit from them and send forth
his judgments to scourge them for their wickedness? This is certainly the
case. Christ said to his disciples Mark 16:17-18 that, "these signs should
follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast
out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents,
and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them, they shall lay
hands on the sick and they shall
recover." And also in connection with this read 1 Corinthians 12. By the
foregoing testimonies or through the glass of the foregoing testimonies
we may look at the Christian world and see the apostacy there has been
from the Apostolic platform, and who can look at this, and certainly not
exclaim in the language of Isaiah,
Isaiah 24:5
"the earth is defiled under the inhabitants
thereof because they have transgressed the Laws; changed the ordinances
and broken the everlasting covenant."
D&C 45:9, 28
The plain fact is this, the power of God begins to fall upon the nations,
and the light of the latter day glory begins to break forth through the
dark atmosphere of sectarian wickedness and their iniquity rolls up into
view. And the nations of the Gentiles are like the waves of the sea casting
up mire and dirt or all in commotion. And they hastily are preparing to
act the part allotted them when the Lord rebukes the nations, when he shall
rule them with a rod of iron and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
The Lord has declared to hisD&C 63:32
The same newspaper issue that published this letter contained a report from the Cumberland Conference in Maine, which maintained that they had experienced little growth in 1832, stating, "No admissions to this church the past year;" "This church has increased but little in number the last year;" and, "Religion is low."
servants some eighteen months since that he was then withdrawing his spirit
from the earth, and we can see that such is the fact for not only the churches
are dwindling away, but there are no conversions, or but very few. And
this is not all, the governments of the earth are thrown into confusion
and division, and destruction to the eye of the spiritual beholder seems
to be written by the finger of an invisible hand in large capitals upon
almost everything we behold.
And now what remains to be done under circumstances like these? I will
proceed to tell you what the Lord requires of all people high and low,
rich and poor, male and female, ministers and people, professors of religion
and nonprofessors, in order that they may enjoy the Holy Spirit of God
to a fulness, and escape the judgments of God which are
almost ready to burst upon the nations of the earth. Repent of all your
sins and be baptized in water for the remission of them, in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and receive the ordinance
of the laying on of the hands of him who is
ordained and sealed unto this power, that ye may receive the Holy Spirit
of God. And this according to the holy scriptures, and of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
and the only way that man can enter into the celestial kingdom. These are the
requisitions of the new covenant or first principles of no professors the gospel of Christ;
then add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge
temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience brotherly kindness,
and to brotherly kindness charity (or love). And if these things be in
you and abound, they make you to be neither baren nor unfruitful in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saxton published only from here to the end.
The
BOOK
OF
MORMON
is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians, having
been found through the ministration of an holy angel, translated into our
own language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in
the earth for the last fourteen hundred years, containing the word of God,
which was delivered unto them. By it we learn that our western tribes of
Indians are descendants from that Joseph that was
sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto
them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come. with as many of the
gentiles as shall comply with the
requisitions of the new covenant, but the tribe of Judah will return to
old Jerusalem. The city of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102 Psalm, will
be built upon the land of America and the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to it with songs and everlasting joy
upon their heads, and then they will be delivered from the overflowing
scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance
at Jerusalem (see Joel 2:32, Isaiah 26:20-21, Jeremiah 31:12, Psalm 50:5,
Ezekiel 34:11-13). These are testimonies that the good Shepherd will put
forth his own sheep and lead them out from all nations where they have
been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion and to Jerusalem, beside
many more testimonies which might be brought.
And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not
many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such
a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation.
Pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this
generation from off the face of this land, to open and prepare the way
for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country. The
people of the Lord, those who have complied with the requisitions of the
new covenant, have already commenced gathering together to Zion, which
is in the State of Missouri. Therefore, I declare unto you the warning
which the Lord has commanded me to declare unto this generation, remembering
that the eyes of my maker are upon me and that to him I am accountable
for every word I say, wishing nothing worse to my fellow men than their
eternal salvation. Therefore, fear God and give glory to him, for the
hour of his judgment is come. Repent ye, repent ye, and embrace the everlasting
covenant and flee to Zion before the overflowing scourge overtakes you.
For there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed
in death until they see all these things which I have spoken fulfilled.
Remember these things, call upon the Lord while he is near and seek him
while he may be found, is the exhortation of your unworthy servant.
SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS BEGINS
January 23, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1:322-324
In accordance with D&C 88:127-141, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick Williams, Newel Whitney,
Hyrum Smith, Zebedee Coltrin, Joseph Smith, Sr., Samuel Smith, John Murdock, Lyman Johnson, Orson
Hyde, Ezra Thayer, Levi Hancock, and William Smith assembled in conference. The previous day had
been a conference during which several members spoke in tongues and there were other divine
manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
HC: On the 23rd of January, we again assembled in conference; when, after much speaking, singing,
praying, and praising God, all in tongues, we proceeded to the washing of feet (according to the
practice recorded in the 13th chapter of John's Gospel), as commanded of the Lord. Each Elder washed
his own feet first, after which I girded myself with a towel and washed the feet of all of them, wiping
them with the towel with which I was girded...I then said to the Elders, "As I have done so do ye; wash
ye, therefore, one another's feet;" and by the power of the Holy Ghost I pronounced them all clean
from the blood of this generation; but if any of them should sin willfully after they were thus cleansed,
and sealed up unto eternal life, they should be given over unto the buffetings of Satan until the day of
redemption. Having continued all day in fasting, and prayer, and ordinances, we closed by partaking of
the Lord's supper. I blessed the bread and wine in the name of the Lord, when we all ate and drank,
and were filled; then we sang a hymn, and the meeting adjourned.
1
A WORD OF WISDOM
89
February 27, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 80
HC 1:327-329
There are no contemporaneous or first-hand accounts of the circumstances surrounding the reception
of this revelation, though later accounts link it to the School of the Prophets. The story of Emma's
complaints about cleaning tobacco juice with was told by Brigham Young in 1868, despite Brigham not
having been present at the School of the Prophets.
1
Verses 1-3 were not numbered verses in the 1835 D&C, but rather an italicized introduction.
1A word of wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the
church, and also the saints in Zion-2to be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by
revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal
salvation of all saints in the last days-3given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity
of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
4Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils
and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in
the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you
this word of wisdom by revelation-
5that inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold
it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling
yourselves together to offer up your
sacraments before him.
6And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine,
of your own make.
Restrictions
7And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of
your bodies.
8And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is
not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be
used with judgment and skill.
9And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
Ordained for use
10And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained
for the constitution, nature, and use of man-
11every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof;
all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have
ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to
be used sparingly;
13and it is pleasing
unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold,
or famine.
14All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff
of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls
of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15and these hath God made for the use of man only in times of
famine and excess of hunger.
16All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the
vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground-
17nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse,
and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and
barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
Promises
18And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience
to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to
their bones;
19and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall
pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.Amen.
EQUAL IN HOLDING THE KEYS
90
March 8, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 84
HC 1:329-331
In D&C 81 Jesse Gause was called to be a counselor to Joseph. Gause was excommunicated on
December 3, 1832. On January 5, 1833, Frederick G. Williams was called to replace Gause, though he
was not ordained to this position until March 18, 1833.
1
1Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto you my son, thy sins are
forgiven thee,
according to thy petition, for thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren
have come up into my ears.
2Therefore, thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the
kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the last time.
3Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from
you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come;
4nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another, yea,
even unto the church.
5And all they who receive the oracles of God, let
them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing,
and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the
storms descend, and the
winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.
6And again, verily I say unto thy brethren, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick
G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and they are accounted
as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom;
7as also through your administration the keys of the school of the prophets,
which I have commanded to be organized;
8that thereby they may be
perfected in their ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations
of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe;
9that through your administration they may receive the word, and through
their administration the word may go forth unto the ends of the earth,
unto the Gentiles first, and then, behold, and lo, they shall turn unto
the Jews.
10And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in
power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph,
of the gospel of their salvation.
11For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness
of the gospel in his
own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto
this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them
for the revelation of Jesus Christ.
12And now, verily I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment that you
continue in the ministry and presidency.
13And when you have finished the translation of the prophets, you shall
from thenceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the school;
14and
from time to time, as shall be manifested by the Comforter, receive revelations
to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom;
15and set in order the churches, and study and learn, and
become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and
people.
16And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives, to preside
in council, and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom.
17Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness
and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.
18Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you.
19Now, verily I say unto you, let there be a place provided, as soon as
it is possible, for the family of thy counselor and scribe, even Frederick
G. Williams.
20And let mine aged
servant, Joseph Smith, Sen., continue with his family upon the place where
he now lives; and let it not be sold until the mouth of the Lord shall
name.
21And let my counselor, even Sidney Rigdon, remain where he now resides
until the mouth of the Lord shall name.
22And let the bishop search diligently to obtain an agent, and let him be
a man who has got riches in store-a man of God, and of strong faith-
23that thereby he may be enabled to
discharge every debt; that the storehouse of the Lord may not be brought
into disrepute before the eyes of the people.
24Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall
work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant
wherewith ye have
covenanted one with another.
25Let your families be small, especially mine aged servant Joseph Smith's,
Sen., as pertaining to those who do not belong to your families;
26that those things that are provided for you, to bring to pass my work,
be not taken from you and given to those that are not worthy-
27and thereby you be hindered in accomplishing those things which I have
commanded you.
28And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will that my handmaid Vienna
Jaques should receive money to bear her expenses, and go up unto the land
of Zion;
29and the residue of the money may be consecrated unto me, and she be rewarded
in mine own due time.
30Verily I say unto you, that it is meet in mine eyes that she should go
up unto the land of Zion, and receive an inheritance from the hand of the
bishop;
31that she may settle down in peace inasmuch as she is faithful, and not
be idle in her days from thenceforth.
32And behold, verily I say unto you, that ye shall write this commandment,
and say unto your brethren in Zion, in love greeting, that I have called
you also to preside over Zion in mine own due time.
33Therefore, let them cease wearying me concerning this matter.
34Behold, I say unto you that your brethren in Zion begin to repent, and
the angels rejoice over them.
35Nevertheless, I am not well pleased with many things; and I am not well
pleased with my servant William E. McLellin, neither with my servant Sidney
Gilbert; and the bishop also, and others have many things to repent of.
36But verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will contend with Zion, and
plead with her strong ones, and chasten her until she overcomes and is
clean before me.
37For she shall not be removed out of her place.
I, the Lord, have spoken it.Amen.
THE APOCRYPHA
91
March 9, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 92
HC 1:331-332
HC: Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, I received the following:
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha-
There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly
translated correctly;
2there are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations
by the hands of men.
3Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should
be translated.
4Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth
truth;
5and
whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6and whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited.
Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated.Amen.
JOINING THE UNITED FIRM
92
March 15, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 93
HC 1:333
D&C 90 declared Frederick G. Williams equal in holding the key of the kingdom with Joseph and Sidney,
but Frederick was not a member of the United Firm, nor had anyone been added to the United Firm
since it was established in accordance with D&C 82.
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable
to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning
my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order.
What I say unto one I say unto all.
2And again, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams, you shall
be a
lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping
all former commandments you shall be blessed forever.Amen.
PRESIDENTS OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD
March 18, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1:334
HC: Great joy and satisfaction continually beamed in the countenances of the School of the Prophets,
and the Saints, on account of the things revealed, and our progress in the knowledge of God. The High
Priests assembled in the school room of the Prophets, and were organized according to revelation;
prayer by Sidney Rigdon.
"Doctor" Hurlburt was ordained an Elder; after which Elder Rigdon expressed a desire that himself and
Brother Frederick G. Williams should be ordained to the offices to which they had been called, viz.,
those of Presidents of the High Priesthood, and to be equal in holding the keys of the kingdom with
Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., according to the revelation given on the 8th of March, 1833. Accordingly I
laid my hands on Brothers Sidney and Frederick, and ordained them to take part with me in holding the
keys of this last kingdom, and to assist in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, as my Counselors;
after which I exhorted the brethren to faithfulness and diligence in keeping the commandments of
God, and gave much instruction for the benefit of the Saints, with a promise that the pure in heart
should see a heavenly vision; and after remaining a short time in secret prayer, the promise was
verified; for many present had the eyes of their understanding opened by the Spirit of God, so as to
behold many things. I then blessed the bread and wine, and distributed a portion to each. Many of the
brethren saw a heavenly vision of the Savior, and concourses of angels, and many other things, of
which each one has a record of what he saw.
1
LIGHT AND TRUTH
93
May 6, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 82
HC 1:343-346
Little is known about the circumstances surrounding this revelation. It was not mentioned in any
journals nor in John Whitmer's or John Corrill's histories. Newell Whitney wrote on the back of the manuscript, "Revelation to Joseph, Sidney, Frederick, & Newell by chastisement & also relative to the
Father & Son."
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who
forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth
my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that
I am;
2and that I am the true light that
lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
3and that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me, and the Father and I are one-
4the Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was
in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of
men.
5I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him
were plainly manifest.
Testimony of John
6And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness
of John's record is hereafter to be revealed.
7And he bore record, saying:
I saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, before the world was;
8therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the
messenger of salvation-
9the light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came
into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life
of men and the light of men.
10The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made
by him, and through him, and of him.
11And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the
Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of
truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
12And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but
received grace for grace;
13and he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace
to grace, until he received a fulness;
14and thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the
fulness at the first.
15And I, John, bear
record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended
upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice
out of heaven saying:
This is my beloved Son.
16And I, John, bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the
Father;
17and
he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the
Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.
18And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive
the fulness of the
record of John.
19I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to
worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in
my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
20For if you keep my commandments you shall
receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father;
therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
21And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father,
and am the Firstborn;
22and all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of
the same, and are the church of the Firstborn.
23Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even
the Spirit of truth;
24and truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as
they are to
come;
25and whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked
one who was a liar from the beginning.
26The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore
record of me, saying, "He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all
truth;"
27and no man receives a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.
28He that keepeth his
commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth
and knoweth all things.
29Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of
truth, was not
created or made, neither indeed can be.
30All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to
act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.
31Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man;
because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them,
and they receive not the light.
32And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.
33For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably
connected, receive a fulness of joy;
34and when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.
35The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of
God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy
that temple.
36The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
37Light and truth forsake that evil one.
38Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed
man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before
God.
39And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience,
from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.
40But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.
41But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have
continued under this condemnation;
42you have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments;
and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause
of your affliction.
43And now a commandment I give unto you-if you will be delivered you shall
set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right
in your house.
44Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he has
not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set
in order thy house.
45Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I
will call you
friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with
me-
46I called you servants for the world's sake, and ye are their servants
for my sake-
47and now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.-You have not kept the commandments,
and must needs stand
rebuked before the Lord;
48your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest
heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place.
49What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have
power in you, and remove you out of your place.
50My servant Newel K. Whitney also, a bishop of my church, hath need to
be chastened, and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent
and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of
their place.
51Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go on his
journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance; and by your
prayer of faith with one consent I will uphold him.
52And let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G. Williams make
haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of
faith; and inasmuch as you keep my sayings you shall not be confounded
in this world, nor in the world to come.
53And, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten
to translate my scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of
countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the
salvation of Zion.Amen.
Received on
94
Section 94
1
BUILDING GOD'S HOUSE IN OHIO
95
June 3, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 95
HC 1:350-352
HC: Great preparations were making to commence a house of the Lord; and notwithstanding the
Church was poor, yet our unity, harmony and charity abounded to strengthen us to do the
commandments of God. The building of the house of the Lord in Kirtland was a matter that continued
to increase in its interest in the hearts of the brethren, and the building committee issued the following
circular to the different branches of the Church:
To the Church of Christ in -
We feel under obligations to write to you as well as to all the brethren of the different branches; and
we do this, that you, with us, may exert yourselves to bring about the fulfilment of the command of the
Lord concerning the establishing, or preparing a house, wherein the Elders who have been commanded
of the Lord so to do, may gather themselves together, and prepare all things, and call a solemn
assembly, and treasure up words of wisdom, that they may go forth to the Gentiles for the last time;
and now, in order to accomplish this, we are directed, yea, we are under the necessity, to call upon the
whole Church as a body, that they make every possible exertion to aid temporally, as well as spiritually,
in this great work that the Lord is beginning, and is about to accomplish. And unless we fulfil this
command, viz: establish an house, and prepare all things necessary whereby the elders may gather into
a school, called the School of the Prophets, and receive that instruction which the Lord designs they
should receive, we may all despair of obtaining the great blessing that God has promised to the faithful
of the Church of Christ; therefore it is as important, as our salvation, that we obey this above mentioned command, as well as all the commandments of the Lord.
Therefore, brethren, we write this epistle to you, to stir up your minds to make that exertion which the
Lord requires of you, to lend a temporal aid in these things above written...Our Heavenly Father is
opening the hearts of our brethren beyond the expectation of many; and not one brother among us, as
yet, refuses to exert himself to do something in a temporal way to bring about the establishing of this
house and school; and we say, may our Heavenly Father open your hearts also, that you, with us, may
gather together something to aid as a temporal benefit...May the Lord help you to exert yourselves
with us, in raising the means to bring about the glorious work of the Lord; and may we all be kept by
the grace of God unto eternal life.Amen.
The same day I received the following:
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also
chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare
a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have
loved you-
2wherefore, ye must needs be
chastened and stand rebuked before my face;
3for ye have sinned against me a very
grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great commandment in
all things, that I have given unto you concerning the building of mine
house;
4for the preparation
wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the
last time, that I may bring to pass my strange act, that I may pour out
my Spirit upon all flesh-
5but behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained
among you,
whom I have called but few of them are chosen.
6They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they
are walking in darkness at noon-day.
7And for this cause I gave unto you a commandment that you should call
your solemn assembly, that your fastings and your mourning might come up
into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by interpretation, the creator
of the first day, the beginning and the end.
8Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should
build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen
with power from on high;
9for this is the promise of the Father unto you; therefore I command you
to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem.
10Nevertheless, my servants sinned a very grievous sin; and contentions
arose in the school of the prophets; which was very grievous unto me, says
your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened.
11Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. If
you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it.
12If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue
with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness.
13Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord-let the house be built, not
after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live
after the manner of the world;
14therefore, let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three
of you,
whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.
15And the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet in width, and let it
be sixty-five feet in length, in the inner court thereof.
16And
let the lower part of the inner court be dedicated unto me for your sacrament
offering, and for your preaching, and your fasting, and your praying, and
the offering up of your most holy desires unto me, says your Lord.
17And let the higher part of the inner court be dedicated unto me for the
school of mine apostles, says Son Ahman; or, in other words, Alphus; or,
in other words, Omegus; even Jesus Christ your Lord.Amen.
BRINGING FORTH THE WORD
96
June 6, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 96
HC 1:352-353
HC: A similar conference assembled at the same place and took into consideration how the French
farm should be disposed of. The conference could not agree who should take charge of it, but all
agreed to inquire of the Lord; accordingly we received the following:
1
1Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act
concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that
I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.
2Therefore, let my servant Newel K. Whitney take charge of the place which
is named among you, upon which I design to build mine holy house.
3And again, let it be divided into lots, according to wisdom, for the benefit
of those who seek inheritances, as it shall be determined in council among
you.
4Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that portion that
is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of bringing forth my
word to the children of men.
5For behold, verily I say unto you, this is the most expedient in me, that
my word should go forth unto the children of men, for the purpose of subduing
the hearts of the children of men for your good. Even so.Amen.
6And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom and expedient in me, that
my servant John Johnson whose offering I have accepted, and whose prayers
I have heard, unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he
keepeth my commandments from henceforth-
7for he is a descendant of Joseph and a partaker of the blessings of the
promise made unto his fathers-
8verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that he should become a member
of the order, that he may assist in bringing forth my word unto the children
of men.
9Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing, and he shall seek diligently
to take away incumbrances that are upon the house named among you, that
he may dwell therein. Even so.Amen.
KIRTLAND HOUSE CORNERSTONE LAID
July 23, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1
SCHOOL IN ZION
97
August 2, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 81
HC 1:400-402
In accordance with D&C 88, members of the Church of Christ in Jackson County, Missouri, organized a
local version school of the prophets in summer 1833 called the School in Zion. It met weekly and had
about sixty students. By early July 1833, they desired to know God's will concerning the school and
sent two letters to Joseph. In response, the presidency of the high priesthood wrote a letter to
Missouri leaders on August 6 that included this revelation, which they referred to as "the
communication which we received from the Lord concerning the school in Zion."
1
1Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even
the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your
brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking
diligently to learn wisdom and to find
truth.
2Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain;
for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever
I will, that I may be justified
when I shall bring them unto judgment.
3Behold, I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I, the Lord, am
well pleased that there should be a school in Zion, and also with my servant
Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me.
4And inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me he shall continue to preside
over the school in the land of Zion until I shall give unto him other commandments.
5And I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, in expounding all
scriptures and mysteries to the edification of the school, and of the church
in Zion.
6And to the residue of the school, I, the Lord, am willing to show mercy;
nevertheless, there are those that must needs be chastened, and their works
shall be made known.
7The ax is laid at the root of the trees; and every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. I, the
Lord, have spoken it.
8Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest,
and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe
their covenants by sacrifice-yea,
every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command-they are accepted of
me.
9For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree
which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yields much precious
fruit.
10Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that a house should be built
unto me in the land of Zion, like unto the pattern which I have given you.
11Yea, let it be built speedily, by the tithing of my people.
12Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord,
require at their hands, that there may be a house built unto me for the
salvation of Zion-
13for a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction
for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several
callings and offices;
14that they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in
theory, in principle, and in
doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth,
the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you.
15And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord,
and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled,
my glory shall rest upon it;
16yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all
the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.
17But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be
there; for I will not come into unholy temples.
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread
herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say:
Surely Zion is the city of our God,
And surely Zion cannot fall,
Neither be moved out of her place,
For God is there,
And the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he has sworn by the power of his might
To be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord,
let Zion rejoice,
for this is Zion-THE PURE IN HEART;
therefore, let Zion rejoice,
while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the
whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the
report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until
the Lord come;
24for the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations
and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever
I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit
her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence,
with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.
27Nevertheless, let it be read this once to her ears, that I, the Lord,
have accepted of her
offering; and if she sin no more none of these things shall come upon
her;
28and I will bless her with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings
upon her, and upon her
generations forever and ever, says the Lord your God.Amen.
BUILDING COMMITTEE IN KIRTLAND
94
August 2, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 83
HC 1:346-347
By summer 1833, church leaders planned for and began construction on a House of the Lord in
Kirtland, which was to serve as both a chapel and a schoolhouse. The presidency of the high priesthood
was assigned to create a design for the interior of the building. Three weeks later they sent to Missouri
church leaders the architectural plans for another House of the Lord, similar in style and purpose, to be
built in Independence, Missouri.
Four days after Joseph dictated this revelation, the presidency copied it into a letter they sent to
Missouri, which stated this revelation "is also binding on you, that is you at Zion have to build two
houses as well as the one of which we have sent the pattern." In other words, the Missouri church members should build three buildings in Independence: the House of the Lord, an administrative house
for church business, and one for their printing establishment.
Daniel 9:24-25 prophecies about a 69 week period of time after the command to build Jerusalem is
given and a 70 week period of time to make reconciliation for iniquity. 69 weeks after August 2, 1833
was November 29, 1834, when Joseph and Oliver entered into a covenant of tithing for the
continuation of blessings. 70 weeks after that was April 3, 1836, when the Messiah appeared to Joseph
and Oliver in Kirtland.
1
1And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, a commandment I give unto
you, that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning
and foundation of the city of the stake of Zion, here in the land of Kirtland,
beginning at my house.
2And behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I have given
unto you.
3And let the first lot on the south be consecrated unto me for the building
of a house for the presidency, for the work of the presidency, in obtaining
revelations; and for the work of the ministry of the presidency, in all
things pertaining to the church and kingdom.
4Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty-five by sixty-five
feet in the width
thereof and in the length thereof, in the inner court.
5And there shall be a lower court and a higher court, according to the
pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter.
6And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, according
to the order of the priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be
given unto you hereafter.
7And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of the presidency.
8And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory
shall be there, and my presence shall be there.
9But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, my glory shall not
be there; and my presence shall not come into it.
10And again, verily I say unto you, the second lot on the south shall be
dedicated unto me for the building of a house unto me, for the work of
the printing of the translation of my scriptures, and all things whatsoever
I shall command you.
11And it shall be fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof and
the length thereof, in the inner court; and there shall be a lower and
a higher court.
12And this house shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation
thereof, for the work of the printing, in all things whatsoever I shall
command you, to be holy, undefiled, according to the pattern in all things
as it shall be given unto you.
13And on the third lot shall my servant Hyrum Smith receive his inheritance.
14And on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants Reynolds
Cahoon and Jared Carter receive their inheritances-
15that they may do the work which I have appointed unto them, to be a committee
to build mine houses, according to the commandment, which I, the Lord God,
have given unto you.
16These two houses are not to be built until I give unto you a commandment
concerning them.
17And now I give unto you no more at this time.Amen.
LAWS OF VENGEANCE AND FORGIVENESS
98
August 6, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 85
HC 1:403-406
Tensions in Missouri had been increasing, and though Joseph didn't know it yet, the church printing
office in Independence had been destroyed. Less than two weeks after this revelation was received,
Joseph wrote that "We are no safer here in Kirtland then you are in Zion, the cloud is gathering around
us with great fury and all pharaoh's host or in other words all hell and the combined powers of Earth
are marshalling their forces to overthrow us."
1
1Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted;
yea, rejoice
evermore, and in everything give thanks;
2waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the
ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament-the
Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant
that they shall be fulfilled; and
all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your
good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord.
4And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is
my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command
them.
5And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle
of freedom in maintaining rights
and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in
befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7and as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this,
cometh of evil.
8I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the
law also maketh you free.
9Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and
good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever
is less than these cometh of evil.
11And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and
cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth
forth out of the mouth of God.
12For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept;
and I will try you and prove you herewith.
13And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall
find it again, even life eternal.
14Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart,
saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide
in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.
15For if ye
will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.
16Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn
the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers
to the children;
17and again, the hearts of the Jews unto the prophets, and the prophets
unto the Jews; lest I come and smite the whole earth with a curse, and
all flesh be consumed before me.
18Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father's house are many mansions,
and I have prepared a place for
you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also.
19Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the church
at Kirtland;
20for they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of
their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things,
and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto
them.
21Verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will chasten them and will do
whatsoever I list, if they do not repent and observe all things whatsoever
I have said unto them.
22And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do
whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn away all wrath and indignation
from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
23Now, I speak unto you concerning your families-
if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently
and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;
24but if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being
meted out as a just measure unto you.
25And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile
not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an
hundred-fold.
26And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently,
your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;
27and these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent
not, and shall not be blotted out.
28And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance,
that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it
that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon
your family, even your children's children unto the third and fourth generation.
29And then, if he shall come upon you or your
children, or your children's children unto the third and fourth generation,
I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands;
30and then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness;
and also thy children and thy children's children unto the third and fourth
generation.
31Nevertheless, thine enemy is in thine hands; and if thou rewardest him
according to his works thou art justified; if he has sought thy life, and
thy life is
endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified.
32Behold, this is the law I gave unto my servant Nephi, and thy fathers,
Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets
and apostles.
Conditions for going out unto battle
33And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should
not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people,
save I, the Lord, commanded them.
34And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them,
they
should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue;
35and if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second
nor the third time, they should
bring these testimonies before the Lord;
36then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them
in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people.
37And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children's battles,
and their children's children's, until they had avenged themselves on all
their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.
38Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, says the Lord your God, for
justification before me.
Forgiving trespasses
39And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee
the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou
shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine
enemy-
40and so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth
of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive
him, until seventy times seven.
41And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless
thou shalt forgive him.
42And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless
thou shalt forgive him.
43And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt
also forgive him.
44But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive
him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall
not be blotted out until he
repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed
against thee.
45And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if
he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold;
46and upon his
children, and upon his children's children of all them that hate me, unto
the third and fourth generation.
47But if the children shall repent, or the children's children, and turn
to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might,
mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith
they have trespassed, or wherewiththeir fathers
have trespassed, or their fathers' fathers, then thine indignation shall
be turned away;
48and vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and
their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before
the Lord against them.Amen.
Received on
99
Section 99
1
SIDNEY TO BE A SPOKESMAN
100
October 12, 1833 - Perrysburg, New York
1835: 94
HC 1:416-421
HC: I started on a journey to the east, and to Canada, in company with Elders Rigdon and Freeman
Nickerson...On the 12th, arrived at Father Nickerson's, at Perrysburg, New York, where I received the
following revelation.
On October 12, Joseph had written in his diary, "I feel very well in my mind the Lord is with us but have
much anxiety about my family."
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends Sidney and Joseph, your
families are
well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good;
for in me there is all power.
2Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto
you.
3Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, in the regions round
about; and an
effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about in this eastern
land.
4Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for
thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls.
5Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people;
speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not
be confounded before men;
6for it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what
ye shall say.
7But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing
ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness,
in all things.
8And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy
Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever
ye shall say.
9And it is expedient in me that you, my servant Sidney, should be a spokesman
unto this people; yea, verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even
to be a spokesman unto my servant Joseph.
10And I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony.
11And I will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures,
that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him, and he shall be a revelator unto
thee, that thou mayest know the
certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the
earth.
12Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold,
and lo, I am with you even unto the end.
13And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion. Zion shall be redeemed,
although she is chastened for a little season.
14Thy brethren, my servants Orson Hyde and John Gould, are in my hands;
and inasmuch as they keep my commandments they shall be saved.
15Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together
for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the
church.
16For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness;
17and all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments,
shall be saved. Even so.Amen.
Route of Joseph Smith's and Sidney Rigdon's trip to Canada.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
DAYS OF ZION'S PURIFICATION
December 10, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 1: 453-456
Joseph received two letters detailing the problems the members in Missouri were facing. This letter
was his response.
1
I cannot learn from any communication by the spirit to me that Zion has
forfeited her claim to a celestial crown notwithstanding the Lord has caused
her to be thus afflicted;
except it may be some individuals who have walked in disobedience and
forsaken the new covenants; all such will be made manifest by their works
in due time. I have always
expected that Zion would suffer sore affliction. From what I could learn
from the commandments which have been given but I would remind you of a
certain clause in one which says that after much tribulation cometh the
blessing. By this and also others, and also one received of late, I know
that Zion, in the own due time of the Lord will be
redeemed, but how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation
and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes; and when I enquire
concerning this subject the voice of the Lord is:
Be still, and know that I am God! All those who suffer for my name shall
reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find
it again.
Now there are two things of which I am ignorant and the Lord will not
show me- perhaps for a wise purpose in himself. I mean in some respects,
and they are these:
Why God hath suffered so great calamity to come upon Zion; or what the
great moving cause of this great affliction is.
And again, by what means he will return her back to her inheritance with
songs of everlasting joy upon her head.
These two things brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly
shewn unto me. But there are some things that are plainly manifest, that
has incurred the displeasure of the Almighty. When I contemplate upon all
things that have been manifested, I am sensible that I ought not to murmur
and do not murmur, only in this: that those who are innocent are compelled
to suffer for the iniquities of the guilty. And I cannot account for this,
only on this wise, that the saying of the Savior has not been strictly
observed,
Matthew 5:29"If thy right eye offend thee pluck it out and cast it from thee
or if thy right arm offend thee pluck it off and cast it from thee."
Now the fact is, if any of the members of our body are disordered, the
rest of our body will be effected with them and then all is brought into
bondage together. And yet notwithstanding all this, it is with difficulty
that I can restrain my feelings; when I know that you my brethren with
whom I have had so many happy hours, sitting as it were in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus, and also having the witness which I feel, and even have
felt, of the purity of your motives-are cast out, and are as strangers
and pilgrims on the earth, exposed to hunger, cold, nakedness peril, sword,
etc. I say when I contemplate this, it is with difficulty that I can keep
from complaining and murmurings against this
dispensation; but I am sensible that this is not right and may God grant
that notwithstanding your great afflictions and sufferings there may not
anything separate us from the love of Christ.
Brethren, when we learn your sufferings it awakens every sympathy of our
hearts; it
weighs us down; we cannot refrain from tears [illegible] yet we are not
able to realize only in part your sufferings. And I often hear the brethren
saying they wish they were with you that they might bear a part of your
sufferings; and I myself should have been with you had not God prevented
it in the order of his providence, that the yoke of affliction might be
less grievous upon you; God having forewarned me concerning these things
for your sakes; and also brother Oliver Cowdery could not lighten your
afflictions by tarrying longer
with you, for his presence would have so much the more enraged your enemies;
therefore, God hath deals dealt mercifully with us.
O brethren, let us be thankful that it is as well with us as it is, and
we are yet alive that
peradventure, God hath laid up in store great good for us in this generation,
and grant that we may yet glorify his name. I feel thankful that there
have no more denied the faith. I
pray God, in the name of Jesus, that you all may be kept in the faith
unto the end. Let your sufferings be what they may, it is better that you
should die in the eyes of God than that you should give up the land of
Zion, the inheritances which you have purchased with your monies. For every
man that giveth not up his inheritances though he should die yet, when
the Lord shall come he shall stand upon it and with Job in his flesh he
shall see God.
Therefore this is my council that you retain your lands even unto the
uttermost, and seeking every lawful means to obtain redress of your enemies,
etc., and pray to God day
and night to return you in peace and in safety to the Lands of your inheritance,
and when the Judge fails you, appeal unto the Executive, and when the Executive
fails you, appeal unto the President, and when the President fails you,
and all laws fail you and the
humanity of the people fails you, and all things else fails you but God
alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor
woman the unjust Judge, he will not fail to execute judgment upon your
enemies and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night-Behold
he will not fail you! He will come with ten thousand of his saints and
all his adversaries shall be destroyed by the breath of his lips!
All those that keep their inheritances notwithstanding they should be
pealed and driven shall be likened unto the wise virgins who took oil in
their lamps. But all those who are unbelieving and fearful, will be likened
unto the foolish virgins, who took no oil in their lamps; and when they
shall return and say unto the saints, give us of your lands, behold there
will be no room found for them.
As respects giving deeds I would advise to give deeds as far as the brethren
have legal and just claims for them and then let every man answer to God
for the disposal of them. I would suggest some ideas to Brother William
P., not knowing as they will be of any real benefit, but suggest them for
consideration I would be glad that he were here, but dare not advise, were
it possible for him to come, not knowing what shall befall us, as we are
under very heavy and serious threatening from a great many people in this
place. But
perhaps the people in Liberty may feel willing, God having power to soften
the hearts of all men, to have a press established there; and if not, in
some other place; any place where it can be the most convenient and it
is possible to get to it. God will be willing to have it in any place where
it can be established in safety. We must be wise as serpents and harmless
as doves. Again I desire that Brother William would collect all the information,
and give us a true history of the beginning and rise of Zion and her calamities,
etc.
Now hear the prayer of your unworthy brother in the bonds of the new and
everlasting covenant:
O my God! Thou who has called and chosen a few through thy weak instrument
by commandment and sent them to Missouri, a place which thou didst call
Zion and commanded thy servants to consecrate unto thyself for a place
of a refuge, and of
safety for the gathering of thy saints, to be built up a holy city unto
thyself.
And as thou hast said that none other place should be appointed like unto
this, therefore I ask thee in the name of Jesus Christ:
to return thy people unto their homes and their inheritances, to enjoy
the fruit of their labors;
that all the waste places may be built up;
that all the enemies of thy people, who will not return repent and return
unto thee be destroyed from off the face of that Land;
and let an house be built and established unto thy name,
and let all the losses that thy people have sustained be rewarded unto
them, even more than fourfold;
that the borders of Zion be enlarged forever, and let her be established
no more to be thrown down;
and let all thy saints when they are scattered as sheep, and are persecuted,
and flee unto Zion, and be established in the midst of her, and let her
be organized according to thy law.
And let this prayer even be recorded before thy face. Give thy holy spirit
unto my
brethren unto whom I write. Send thy angels to guard them and to deliver
them from
all evil. And when they turn their faces towards Zion and bow down before
thee and pray, may their sins never come up before thy face, neither have
place in the book of thy remembrance, and may they depart from all their
iniquities. Provide food for them as thou doest for the ravens, provide
clothing to cover their nakedness, and houses that they may dwell therein.
Give unto them friends in abundance, and let their names be recorded in
the Lamb's book of life eternally before thy face.Amen
Finally brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all unto
his coming and kingdom.Amen.
Joseph Smith, Jr.
WHY ZION IS PERSECUTED
101
December 16 & 17, 1833 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 97
HC 1:458-464
As details of the violent events in Missouri reached Kirtland, Ohio, in late fall, Joseph sought to
understand why church members were expelled from Jackson County, what it meant for the gathering
to Zion, and what church members should do to regain their lands. On December 10, Joseph wrote that
the Lord was keeping hid from him the answers to those questions. After receiving this revelation,
Joseph sent it to the church in Missouri in a letter dated January 22, 1834.
1
1Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted,
and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance-
2I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith
they have been afflicted, in consequence of their
transgressions;
3yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come
to make up my jewels.
4Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as
Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.
5For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.
Why Zion failed
6Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings,
and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by
these things they polluted their inheritances.
7They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore,
the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them
in the day of their trouble.
8In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the
day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.
9Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled
with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in
the day of wrath I will remember mercy.
10I have sworn, and the decree has gone forth by a former commandment which
I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation
in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass.
11Mine indignation is soon to be
poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the
cup of their iniquity is full.
12And in that day all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words,
all mine Israel, shall be saved.
13And they that have been scattered shall be gathered.
14And all they who have mourned shall be comforted.
15And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned.
16Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh
is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
17Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children
are scattered.
18They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their
inheritances, they and their children, with songs of
everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion-
19and all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.
20And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have
appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which
I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints-
21until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then
I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called
stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.
22Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship
me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand
in holy places;
23and prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the
covering of my temple, in my
tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh
shall see me together.
24And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field,
or of the fowls of the heavens, or of the fish of the sea, that dwells
upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed;
25and also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things
shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth.
26And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea, the
enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face.
27And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given unto him.
28And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man.
29And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death.
30In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall
be as the age of a tree;
31and when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but
shall be
changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest
shall be glorious.
32Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall
reveal all things-
33things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things
of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof-
34things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath,
things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.
35And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith,
though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they
partake of all this glory.
36Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not
full, but in me your joy is full.
37Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care
for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38And seek the face of the Lord always, that in
patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.
39When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an
everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the
savor of men;
40they are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the
earth lose its savor, behold, it is
thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the
feet of men.
41Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion, even many, but
not all; they were found transgressors, therefore they must needs be chastened-
42he that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself
shall be exalted.
REDEMPTION OF ZION
43And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning
the redemption of Zion.
Parable of the vineyard tower
44A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his
servants:
Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and
plant twelve olive trees;
45and set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook
the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive
trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take
upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
46Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded
them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set
watchmen, and began to
build a tower.
47And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say
among themselves, "And what need hath my lord of this tower?"
48And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves, "What need hath
my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need
of these things."
50And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful,
and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants
of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed
their works, and broke down the olive trees.
52Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants,
and said unto them:
Why! What is the cause of this great evil?
53Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and-after ye had planted
the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the
walls thereof-built the tower also, and set a
watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen
asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while
he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy
from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my
vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.
55And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants:
Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength
of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of
middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house,
save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;
56and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and
redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.
57Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine
enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.
58And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies,
that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the
land.
59And the servant said unto his lord, "When shall these things be?"
60And he said unto his servant:
When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded
you;
61and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you-a faithful and wise steward
in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.
62And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord
commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled.
63Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning
all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right
and proper way for their
salvation-
64that the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that
I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest
is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable
of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners
to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall
come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work
shall be;
66while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong,
that they may be burned with
unquenchable fire.
67Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall
continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
68Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not
your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared
before you.
69And in order that all things be prepared before you,
observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things-
70which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands with money, which
can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I
have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering
of my saints;
71all the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties
round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.
72Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their
moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe
to have all things prepared before you.
73And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to
purchase these lands.
74And the churches in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if
they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together
upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion.
75There is even now already in store sufficient,
yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places,
no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after
my name, willing to hearken to my voice.
76And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies,
it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption,
by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over
you-
77according to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered
to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection
of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
78that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity,
according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man
may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
79Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
80And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land,
by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed
the land by the shedding of blood.
81Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto
the parable of the woman and the unjust judge, for men ought always to
pray and not to faint, which saith-
Parable of the woman and the unjust judge
82There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man.
83And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, "Avenge
me of mine adversary."
84And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself,
"Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth
me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
85Thus will I liken the children of Zion.
86Let them importune at the feet of the judge;
87and if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor;
88and if the
governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president;
89and if the
president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of
his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation;
90and in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will
cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them
their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers;
91even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing
of teeth.
92Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your cries, that
I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them.
93What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without
excuse;
94that
wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered;
95that I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform
my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the righteous and
the wicked, saith your God.
96And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my commandment and my will
that my servant Sidney Gilbert should sell my storehouse, which I have appointed
unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies.
97Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies, by the
consent of those who call themselves after my name;
98for this is a very
sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in consequence
of those things which I have decreed and which are soon to befall the nations.
99Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim upon
that which I have appointed unto
them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon.
100Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for inasmuch
as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom they shall dwell
thereon.
101They shall build, and another shall not inherit it; they shall plant vineyards,
and they shall eat the fruit thereof. Even so.Amen.
HIGH COUNCIL
102
February 17, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 5
HC 2:28-31
On February 17, 1834, at a meeting in Kirtland that included priesthood holders and other members of
the church, Joseph oversaw the initial organization of a standing "Presidents Church Council". Orson Hyde noted in the minutes of that meeting that "many questions have been asked during the time of
the organization of this Council and doubtless some errors have been committed, it was, therefore,
voted by all present that Brother Joseph should make all necessary corrections by the spirit of
inspiration hereafter." Joseph worked on amending the minutes the following day and presented the
revised minutes to a council of sixty-two priesthood holders and church members on February 19.
Joseph's revisions were significant and both added and deleted material from the original minutes. The
council unanimously voted to accept the revised minutes as "a form, and constitution of the high
Council of the Church of Christ hereafter." At the February 19 meeting, Joseph reported that "the
Council was organized according to the ancient order, and also according to the mind of the Lord."
1
1This day a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the
house of Joseph Smith, Jun., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the
high council of the Church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high
priests, and one or three presidents as the case might require.
2The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling
important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not
be settled by the Church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction of
the parties.
3Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams were acknowledged
presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, Sen., John Smith,
Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter,
Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H.
Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke Johnson, high priests, were
chosen to be a standing council for the Church, by the unanimous voice
of the council.
4The above named councilors were then asked whether they accepted their appointments,
and whether they would act in that office according to the law of heaven,
to which they all answered that they accepted their appointments, and would
fill their offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them.
5The number composing the council, who voted in the name and for the church
in appointing the above-named councilors were forty- three, as follows:
nine high priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and thirteen members.
6Voted: that the high council cannot have power to act without seven of
the above-named councilors, or their regularly appointed successors are
present.
7These seven shall have
power to appoint other high priests, whom they may consider worthy and
capable to act in the place of absent councilors.
8Voted: that whenever any vacancy shall occur by the death, removal from
office for
transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of
any one of the above-named councilors, it shall be filled by the nomination
of the president or presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general
council of high priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the name
of the Church.
9The president of the church, who is also the president of the council,
is appointed by
revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the
Church.
10And it is according to the dignity of his office that he should preside
over the
high council
council
of the
Church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents,
appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed.
11And in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to
assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assistant;
and in case he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside
in his stead, both or either of them.
12Whenever a high council of the Church of Christ is regularly organized,
according to the foregoing pattern, it shall be the duty of the twelve
councilors to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain who of the twelve
shall speak first, commencing with number one and so in succession to number
twelve.
13Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve councilors
shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not; if it is not, two
only of the councilors shall speak upon it, according to the form above
written.
14But if it is thought to be difficult, four shall be appointed; and if
more difficult, six; but in no case shall more than six be appointed to
speak.
15The accused, in all cases, has a right to one-half of the council, to
prevent insult or injustice.
16And the councilors appointed to speak before the council are to present
the
case, after the evidence is examined, in its true light before the council;
and every man is to speak according to equity and justice.
17Those councilors who draw even numbers, that is, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12,
are the individuals who are to stand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent
insult and injustice.
18In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a
privilege of speaking for themselves before the council, after the evidences
are heard and the councilors who are appointed to speak on the case have
finished their remarks.
19After the evidences are heard, the councilors, accuser and accused have
spoken, the
president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he
shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve councilors to sanction
the same by their vote.
20But should the remaining councilors, who have not spoken, or any one of
them, after hearing the
evidences and pleadings impartially, discover an error in the decision
of the president, they can manifest it, and the case shall have a re-hearing.
21And if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional light is shown upon
the case, the decision shall be altered accordingly.
22But in case no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand,
the majority of the council having power to determine the same.
23In case of difficulty respecting doctrine or principle, if there is not
a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council,
the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation.
24The high priests, when abroad, have power to call and organize a council
after the manner of the foregoing, to settle difficulties, when the parties
or either of them shall
request it.
25And the said council of high priests shall have power to appoint one of
their own number to preside over such council for the time being.
26It shall be the duty of said council to transmit, immediately, a copy
of their proceedings, with a full statement of the testimony accompanying
their decision, to the high council of the seat of the First
Presidency of the Church.
27Should the parties or either of them be dissatisfied with the decision
of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the
First
Presidency of the Church, and have a re-hearing, which case shall there
be conducted,
according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had
been made.
28This council of high priests abroad is only to be called on the most difficult
cases of church
matters; and no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to call such
council.
29The traveling or located high priests abroad have power to say whether
it is necessary to call such a council or not.
Verses 30-32 are not in the transcript, but are in the 1835 edition.
30There is a distinction between the high council or traveling high priests
abroad, and the traveling high council composed of the twelve apostles,
in their decisions.
31From the
decision of the former there can be an appeal; but from the decision of
the latter there
cannot.
32The latter can only be called in question by the general authorities of
the church in case of transgression.
33Resolved: that the president or presidents of the seat of the first presidency
of the church shall have power to determine whether any such case, as may
be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing, after examining the appeal
and the evidences and statements
accompanying it.
34The twelve councilors then proceeded to cast lots or ballot, to ascertain
who should speak first, and the following was the result, namely:
1. Oliver Cowdery
2. Joseph Coe
3. Samuel H. Smith
4. Luke Johnson
5. John S. Carter
6. Sylvester Smith
7. John Johnson
8. Orson Hyde
9. Jared Carter
10. Joseph Smith, Sr.
11. John Smith
12. Martin Harris
After prayer the conference adjourned.
OLIVER COWDERY, ORSON HYDE, Clerks
ORGANIZING THE CAMP OF ISRAEL
103
February 24, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
1844/sectionreference1>
HC 2:36-39
On February 24, 1834, Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight, who had traveled from Missouri to Kirtland,
Ohio, reported to the Kirtland high council on the condition of the Missouri members, most of whom
had taken refuge in Clay County. Pratt and Wight asked the high council "how and by what means Zion
was to be redeemed from our enemies." Joseph dictated this revelation that instructed the church how
to restore Missouri members to their Jackson County lands. Joseph then volunteered to lead an
expedition to Missouri to assist in Zion's redemption, and thirty or forty others stated they would go
with him. Before adjourning, the council appointed Joseph Smith as "Commander in Chief of the
Armies of Israel and the leader of those who volunteered to go."
1
1Verily I say unto you, my friends, behold, I will give unto you a revelation
and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your
duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have
been scattered on the land of
Zion;
2being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies, on whom I will
pour out my wrath without measure in mine own time.
3For I have suffered them thus far, that they might fill up the measure
of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;
4and that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for
a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did
not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave
unto them.
Promise to prevail against enemies if obedient
5But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed a decree which my people
shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel
which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine
enemies from this very hour.
7And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God,
shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms
of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the
saints, to possess it forever and ever.
8But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe
all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.
9For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors
of men;
10and inasmuch as they are not the
saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth
good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.
Promised restoration to the land of Zion
11But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren which have
been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall
build up the waste places of Zion.
12For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment,
cometh the blessing.
13Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations,
and the tribulations of your brethren-your redemption, and the redemption
of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established,
no more to be
thrown down.
14Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances they shall be thrown
down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances.
15Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power;
16therefore,
I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses
led the children of Israel.
17For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye
must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm.
18And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption
of Zion be.
19Therefore, let not your hearts
faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers:
Mine angel
shall go up before you, but not my presence.
20But I say unto you:
Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time
ye shall possess the goodly land.
Joseph will gather Zion
21Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., is
the man to whom I likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard
spake in the parable which I have
given unto you.
22Therefore let my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., say unto the strength of
my house, my young men and the middle aged, "Gather yourselves together
unto the land of
Zion," upon the land which I have bought with money that has been consecrated
unto me.
23And let all the churches send up wise men with their moneys, and purchase
lands even as I have commanded them.
24And inasmuch as mine enemies come against you to drive you from my goodly
land, which I have consecrated to be the land of Zion, even from your own
lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought before me against
them, ye shall curse them;
25and whomsoever ye curse, I will curse, and ye shall avenge me of mine
enemies.
26And my presence shall be with you even in avenging me of mine enemies,
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
27Let no man be
afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life
for my sake shall
find it again.
28And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple.
29It is my will that my servant Sidney Rigdon shall lift up his voice in
the congregations in the eastern countries, in preparing the churches to
keep the commandments which I have given unto them concerning the restoration
and redemption of Zion.
30It is my will that my servant Parley P. Pratt and my servant Lyman Wight
should not
return to the land of their brethren, until they have obtained companies
to go up unto the land of Zion, by tens, or by twenties, or by fifties,
or by an hundred, until they have obtained to the number of five hundred
of the strength of my house.
31Behold this is my will; ask and ye shall receive; but men do not always
do my will.
32Therefore, if you
cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure you may
obtain three
hundred.
33And if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek diligently that peradventure
ye may obtain one hundred.
34But verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall
not go up unto the land of Zion until you have obtained a hundred of the
strength of my house, to go up with you unto the land of Zion.
35Therefore, as I said unto you, ask and ye shall receive; pray earnestly
that peradventure my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may go with you, and preside
in the midst of my people, and organize my kingdom upon the consecrated
land, and establish the children of Zion upon the laws and commandments
which have been and which shall be given unto you.
36All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence,
faithfulness, and prayers of faith.
37Let my servant Parley P. Pratt journey with my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.
38Let my servant Lyman Wight journey with my servant Sidney Rigdon.
39Let my servant Hyrum Smith journey with my servant Frederick G. Williams.
40Let my servant Orson Hyde journey with my servant Orson Pratt, whithersoever
my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., shall counsel them, in obtaining the fulfilment
of these
commandments which I have given unto you, and leave the residue in my
hands. Even so.Amen.
THE BROKEN COVENANT
104
April 23, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 98
HC 2:54-60
United Firm operations in Missouri were abandoned as church members fled, leaving the members of
the United Firm with significant debt. Operations in Kirtland were also struggling with financial issues.
Facing such problems, members of the Kirtland branch of the United Firm met on 10 April 1834 and
decided that the firm should be dissolved.
HC: Assembled in council with Elders Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams, Newel K. Whitney, John
Johnson, and Oliver Cowdery; and united in asking the Lord to give Elder Zebedee Coltrin influence over Brother Jacob Myres, to obtain the money which he has gone to borrow for us, or cause him to
come to this place and bring it himself. I also received the following:
1
1Verily I say unto you, my friends, I give unto you counsel, and a commandment,
concerning all the properties which belong to the order which I commanded
to be
organized and established, to be a united order, and an everlasting order
for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I come-
2with promise immutable and
unchangeable, that inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful they
should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings;
3but inasmuch as they were not faithful they were nigh unto cursing.
Cursings
4Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the commandment,
but have broken the covenant through covetousness, and with feigned words,
I have cursed them with a very sore and grievous curse.
5For I, the Lord, have decreed in my heart, that inasmuch as any man belonging
to the order shall be found a transgressor, or, in other
words, shall break the covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be cursed
in his life, and shall be trodden down by whom I will;
6for I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in these things-
7and all this that the innocent among you may not be condemned with the
unjust; and that the guilty among you may not escape; because I, the Lord,
have promised unto you a crown of glory at my right hand.
8Therefore, inasmuch as you are found transgressors, you cannot escape
my wrath in your lives.
9Inasmuch as ye are cut off for transgression, ye cannot escape the buffetings
of Satan until the day of redemption.
10And I now give unto you power from this very hour, that if any man among
you, of the order, is found a transgressor and repenteth not of the evil,
that ye shall deliver him over unto the buffetings of Satan; and he shall
not have power to bring evil upon you.
Alternate plan
11It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that ye
shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;
12that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is
appointed unto him.
13For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable,
as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for
my creatures.
14I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork;
and all things therein are mine.
15And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way
that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor
shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared
all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and
impart not his portion,
according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall,
with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment.
19And now, verily I say unto you, concerning the properties of the order-
20let my servant Sidney Rigdon have appointed unto him the place where he
now resides, and the lot of the tannery for his stewardship, for his support
while he is laboring in my vineyard, even as I will, when I shall command
him.
21And let all things be done according to the counsel of the order, and
united consent or voice of the order, which dwell in the land of Kirtland.
22And this stewardship and blessing, I, the Lord, confer upon my servant
Sidney Rigdon
for a blessing upon him, and his seed after him;
23and I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he will be humble
before me.
24And again, let my servant Martin Harris have appointed unto him, for his
stewardship, the lot of land which my servant John Johnson obtained in
exchange for his former inheritance, for him and his seed after him;
25and inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings
upon him and his seed after him.
26And let my servant Martin Harris devote his moneys for the proclaiming
of my words, according as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., shall direct.
27And again, let my servant Frederick G. Williams have the place upon which
he now dwells.
28And let my servant Oliver Cowdery have the lot which is set off joining
the house, which is to be for the printing office, which is lot number
one, and also the lot upon which his father resides.
29And let my servants Frederick G. Williams and Oliver Cowdery have the
printing office and all things that pertain unto it.
30And this shall be their stewardship which shall be appointed unto them.
31And inasmuch as they are
faithful, behold I will bless, and multiply blessings upon them.
32And this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed them,
for them and their seed after them.
33And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them
and their seed after them, even a multiplicity of blessings.
34And again, let my servant John Johnson have the house in which he lives,
and the inheritance, all save the ground which has been reserved for the
building of my houses, which pertains to that inheritance, and those lots
which have been named for my servant Oliver Cowdery.
35And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him.
36And it is my will that he should sell the lots that are laid off for the
building up of the city of my saints, inasmuch as it shall be made known
to him by the voice of the Spirit, and according to the counsel of the
order, and by the voice of the order.
37And this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto
him, for a blessing unto him and his seed after him.
38And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply a multiplicity of blessings
upon him.
39And again, let my servant Newel K. Whitney have appointed unto him the
houses and lot where he now resides, and the lot and building on which
the mercantile establishment stands, and also the lot which is on the corner
south of the mercantile establishment, and also the lot on which the ashery
is situated.
40And all this I have appointed unto my servant Newel K. Whitney for his
stewardship, for a blessing upon him and his seed after him, for the benefit
of the mercantile establishment of my order which I have established for
my stake in the land of Kirtland.
41Yea, verily, this is the stewardship which I have appointed unto my servant
N. K. Whitney, even this whole mercantile establishment, him and his agent,
and his seed after him.
42And inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my
commandments, which I have given unto him, I will multiply blessings upon
him and his seed after him, even a multiplicity of blessings.
43And again, let my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., have appointed unto him
the lot which is laid off for the building of my house, which is forty
rods long and twelve wide, and also the inheritance upon which his father
now resides;
44and this is the beginning of the
stewardship which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing upon him,
and upon his father.
45For behold, I have reserved an inheritance for his father, for his support;
therefore he shall be reckoned in the house of my servant Joseph Smith,
Jun.
46And I will multiply blessings upon the house of my servant Joseph Smith,
Jun., inasmuch as he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings.
47And now, a commandment I give unto you concerning Zion, that you shall
no longer be bound as a united order to your brethren of Zion, only on
this wise-
48after you are
organized, you shall be called the United Order of the Stake of Zion,
the City of Kirtland. And your brethren, after they are organized, shall
be called the United Order of the City of Zion.
49And they shall be organized in their own names, and in their own name;
and they shall do their business in their own name, and in their own names;
50and you shall do your business in your own name, and in your own names.
51And this I have commanded to be done for your salvation, and also for
their salvation, in consequence of their being
driven out and that which is to come.
52The covenants being broken through transgression, by covetousness and
feigned words-
53therefore, you are dissolved as a united order with your brethren, that
you are not bound only up to this hour unto them, only on this wise, as
I said, by loan as shall be agreed by this order in council, as your circumstances
will admit and the voice of the council direct.
54And again, a commandment I give unto you concerning your stewardship which
I have appointed unto you.
55Behold, all these properties are mine, or else your faith is vain, and
ye are found hypocrites, and the covenants which ye have made unto me are
broken;
56and if the properties are mine, then ye are stewards; otherwise ye are
no stewards.
57But, verily I say unto you, I have appointed unto you to be stewards over
mine house, even stewards indeed.
58And for this purpose I have commanded you to organize yourselves, even
to
print my words, the fulness of my scriptures, the revelations which I
have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from time to time give
unto you-
59for the purpose of
building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people
for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand.
60And ye shall prepare for yourselves a place for a treasury, and consecrate
it unto my name.
61And ye shall appoint one among you to keep the treasury, and he shall
be ordained unto this blessing.
62And there shall be a seal upon the treasury, and all the sacred things
shall be
delivered into the treasury; and no man among you shall call it his own,
or any part of it, for it shall belong to you all with one accord.
63And I give it unto you from this very hour; and now see to it, that ye
go to and make use of the stewardship which I have appointed unto you,
exclusive of the sacred things, for the purpose of printing these sacred
things as I have said.
64And the avails of the sacred things shall be had in the treasury, and
a seal shall be
upon it; and it shall not be used or taken out of the treasury by any
one, neither shall the seal be loosed which shall be placed upon it, only
by the voice of the order, or by
commandment.
65And thus shall ye preserve the avails of the sacred things in the treasury,
for sacred and holy purposes.
66And this shall be called the sacred treasury of the Lord; and a seal shall
be kept upon it that it may be holy and consecrated unto the Lord.
67And again, there shall be another treasury prepared, and a treasurer appointed
to keep the treasury, and a seal shall be placed upon it;
68and all moneys that you receive in your stewardships, by improving upon
the properties which I have appointed unto you, in houses, or in lands,
or in cattle, or in all things save it be the holy and sacred writings,
which I have reserved unto myself for holy and sacred purposes, shall
be cast into the treasury as fast as you receive moneys, by hundreds, or
by fifties, or by twenties, or by tens, or by fives.
69Or in other words, if any man among you obtain five dollars let him
cast them into the treasury; or if he obtain ten, or twenty, or fifty,
or an hundred, let him do likewise;
70and let not any among you say that it is his own; for it shall not be
called his, nor any part of it.
71And there shall not any part of it be used, or taken out of the treasury,
only by the voice and common consent of the order.
72And this shall be the voice and common consent of the order-that any man
among you say to the treasurer, "I have need of this to help me in my stewardship"-
73if it be five dollars, or if it be ten dollars, or twenty, or fifty, or
a hundred, the treasurer shall give unto him the sum which he requires
to help him in his stewardship-
74until he be found a transgressor, and it is manifest before the council
of the order plainly that he is an unfaithful and an unwise steward.
75But so
long as he is in full fellowship, and is faithful and wise in his stewardship,
this shall be his token unto the treasurer that the treasurer shall not
withhold.
76But in case of
transgression, the treasurer shall be subject unto the council and voice
of the order.
77And in case the treasurer is found an unfaithful and an unwise steward,
he shall be subject to the council and voice of the order, and shall be
removed out of his place, and another shall be appointed in his stead.
78And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts-behold it is my
will that you shall pay all your debts.
79And it is my will that you shall humble yourselves before me, and obtain
this blessing by your diligence and humility and the prayer of faith.
80And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of
faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt,
until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance.
81Therefore write speedily to New York and write according to that
which shall be dictated by my Spirit; and I will soften the hearts of
those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken away out of their
minds to bring affliction upon you.
82And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold,
I will give you the victory.
83I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once out of
your bondage.
84Inasmuch as you obtain a chance to loan money by hundreds, or thousands,
even until you shall loan enough to deliver yourself from bondage, it
is your privilege.
85And pledge the properties which I have put into your hands, this once,
by giving your names by common consent or otherwise, as it shall seem good
unto you.
86I give unto you this privilege, this once; and behold, if you proceed
to do the things which I have laid before you, according to my commandments,
all these things are mine, and ye are my stewards, and the master will
not suffer his house to be broken up. Even so.Amen.
THE CHURCH OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS
May 3, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:62-63
HC: Minutes of a conference of the Elders of the church of Christ.
1
The conference came to order, and Joseph Smith Jun. was chosen Moderator,
and Frederick G. Williams and Oliver Cowdery, were appointed clerks.
After prayer the conference proceeded to discuss the subject of names
and appellations, when a motion was made by Sidney Rigdon, and seconded
by Newel K. Whitney, that this church be known hereafter by the name of
THE CHURCH OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS.
Appropriate remarks were delivered by some of the members, after which
the motion was put by the Moderator, and passed by unanimous voice.
Resolved that this conference recommend to the conferences and churches
abroad, that in making out and transmitting minutes of their proceedings,
such minutes and proceedings be made out under the above title.
Resolved that these minutes be signed by the Moderator and Clerks, and
published in
The Evening and The Morning Star.
JOSEPH SMITH JUN., Moderator.
FREDERICK G. WILLIAMS, OLIVER COWDERY, Clerks.
CAMP OF ISRAEL DEPARTS
May 1, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
An advance party of 20 left Kirtland on May 1 to make preparations at New Portage. The remainder
joined them on May 6 and began the march to Missouri.
1
The route of the Camp of Israel to Missouri.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
DISBANDING CAMP OF ISRAEL
105
June 22, 1834 - Clay County, Missouri
1844
HC 2:108-111
On June 21, the sheriff of Clay County, along with a delegation of men from Clay and Ray counties, met
with Joseph Smith and members of the camp, informing them of the great alarm the expedition had
caused among western Missouri residents. The following day, Joseph held a council to determine what
steps the camp should take. During the council, he dictated this revelation
1
1Verily I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you
may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people-
2Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people,
speaking
concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed
even now.
3But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I
required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not
impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted
among them;
4and are not united according to the union
required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
5and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law
of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.
6And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it
must needs be, by the things which they suffer.
7I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who
are the first
elders of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation;
8but I speak concerning my churches abroad-there are many who will say,
"Where is their God? Behold, he will
deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up unto Zion,
and will keep our moneys."
9Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient
in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption
of Zion-
10that they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught
more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning
their duty, and the things which I
require at their hands.
11And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with
power from on high.
12For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured
out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before
me.
13Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little
season, for the redemption of Zion.
14For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion;
for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil -I will fight
your battles.
15Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine
enemies;
and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage,
and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the
gathering together of my saints.
16Behold, I have commanded my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to say unto the
strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle-aged,
to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw down the
towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen;
17but the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words.
18But inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have
prepared a
blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue faithful.
19I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is
expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their
faith.
20And now, verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that as
many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round about, let
them stay;
21and those that
cannot stay, who have families in the east, let them tarry for a little
season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them;
22for I will counsel him concerning this matter, and all things whatsoever
he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled.
23And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about be very faithful,
and
prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the things which I have
revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they should be revealed.
24Talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but
carefully gather together, as much in one
region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people;
25and behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you
may rest in peace and safety, while you are
saying unto the people, "Execute judgment and justice for us according
to law, and redress us of our wrongs."
26Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor
in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great.
27And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh,
from time to time, until my servant Joseph
Smith, Jun., and mine elders, whom I have appointed, shall have time to
gather up the
strength of my house,
28and to have sent wise men, to fulfil that which I have commanded concerning
the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased,
and in the adjoining counties round about.
29For it is my will that these lands should be
purchased; and after they are purchased that my saints should possess
them according to the laws of consecration which I have given.
30And after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel
guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously
purchased with their moneys,
and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them,
and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies unto the
third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
31But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before
me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that
her banners may be terrible unto all nations;
32that the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that
the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ;
therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
Endowment from on high in Kirtland
33Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that the first elders of
my church should
receive their endowment from on high in my house, which I have commanded
to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland.
34And let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her
law be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption.
35There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing;
and let those be chosen that are worthy.
36And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit,
those that are chosen; and they shall be sanctified;
37and inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall
have power after many days to
accomplish all things pertaining to Zion.
38And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not only to the people that have
smitten you, but also to all people;
39and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto
the ends of the earth;
40and make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten
you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things
shall work together for your good.
41Therefore, be faithful; and behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the
end. Even so.Amen.
15 ELDERS TO RECEIVE ENDOWMENT
June 23, 1834 - Clay County, Missouri
HC 2:112-113
A council of high priests, including Joseph Smith, met on June 23,1834 in Clay County, Missouri, to
select elders to travel to Kirtland, Ohio, to receive an endowment of power in accordance with
instructions given in D&C 105 the day earlier.
1
A council of High Priests met according to revelation in order to choose
some of the first Elders to receive their endowments. Being appointed by
the voice of the Spirit through Br. Joseph Smith Jun., President of the
Church of Christ.
Edward Partridge is called and chosen, and is to go to Kirtland to receive
his endowment with power from on high and also stand in his office as Bishop
to purchase lands in the
land of Missouri.
William W. Phelps is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to
receive his endowment with power from on high and help carry on the printing
establishment in Kirtland till Zion is redeemed.
Isaac Morley is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment with power from on high in Kirtland and assist in gathering
up the strength of the Lord's house and preach the Gospel.
John Corrill - The same as Isaac Morley
John Whitmer is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment with power in Kirtland with power from on high and to continue
in his office.
David Whitmer is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
an endowment from on high in Kirtland and to stand in the office that is
appointed unto him.
Sidney Gilbert is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment from on high in Kirtland and to assist in the gathering up
the strength of the Lord's house and to proclaim the everlasting gospel
until Zion is redeemed. But he said he could not do it and truly he departed
his life a few days after this was given and we are left to lament his
loss.
Peter Whitmer Jun. is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to
receive his endowment, in Kirtland with power from on high and assist in
gathering up the strength of the Lord's house and proclaim the Gospel.
Simeon Carter is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high, and to assist in gathering
up the strength of the
Lord's house, and proclaim the everlasting Gospel.
Newel Knight is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and to assist in gathering
up the strength of the
Lord's house, and to preach the Gospel.
Thomas B. Marsh is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high, and his office made
known hereafter.
Lyman Wight is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and return to Zion and
have his office appointed
unto him hereafter.
Parley P. Pratt is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and assist in gathering
up the strength of the Lord's house and proclaim the gospel.
Christian Whitmer is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to
receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and to assist
in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house, and preach the gospel.
Solomon Hancock is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive
his
endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and proclaim the everlasting
Gospel and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house.
APPOINTED TIME FOR REDEMPTION OF ZION
August 16, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:145-146
HC: I wrote to Lyman Wight, Edward Partridge, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, and others of the High
Council of Zion, from Kirtland, August 16, 1834, as follows:
1
Use every effort to prevail on the churches to gather to those regions
and situate themselves to be in readiness to move into Jackson County in
two years from the 11th
of September next which is the appointed time for the redemption of Zion...Verily
I say unto you, if the church with one united effort perform their duties;
if they do this, the work shall be complete...
Now, my beloved brethren, you will learn by this we have a great work
to do, and but little time to do it in; and if we do not exert ourselves
to the utmost in gathering up the
strength of the Lord's house that this thing may be accomplished,
behold there remaineth a scourge for the Church, even that they shall be
driven from city to city, and but few shall remain to receive an inheritance;
if those things are not kept, there remaineth a
scourge also; therefore, be wise this once, O ye children of Zion! and
give heed to my counsel, saith the Lord.
COMMITTEE TO ARRANGE THE DOCTRINE
September 24, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:165
Minutes of the High Council at Kirtland, September 24, 1834. Joseph Smith, Jun., presiding, assisted by
Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, counselors.
1
The council then proceeded to appoint a committee to arrange the items
of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, for the government of the Church of Latter
Day Saints, which church was organized and commenced its rise on the 6th
of April, 1830. These items are to be taken
from the BIBLE,
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and the revelations which have been given to the church up to this date,
or that shall be given until such arrangements are made.
Councilor Samuel H. Smith nominated President Joseph Smith, Jun., Oliver
Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams to compose said committee,
which was seconded by Councilor Hyrum Smith. The councilors then gave their
vote in the
affirmative, which was also agreed to by the whole conference. The council
then decided that said committee, after arranging and publishing said BOOK OF COVENANTS,
have the avails of the same.
SCHOOL OF THE ELDERS HELD
November 1834-March 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:175-176
The curriculum was seven lectures on theology, later known as the Lectures on Faith.
HC: Our school for the Elders was now well attended, and with the lecture on theology, which were
regularly delivered, absorbed for the time being everything else of a temporal nature. The classes,
being mostly Elders, gave the most studious attention to the all-important object of qualifying
themselves as messengers of Jesus Christ, to be ready to do his will in carrying glad tidings to all that
would open their eyes, ears and hearts.
1
WARREN COWDERY
106
November 25, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 99
HC 2:170-171
Warren Cowdery had been baptized into the church sometime between May and September 1834. In
an October 1834 letter, he told Oliver that he "had thoughts of requesting you to enquire what is the
will of the Lord concerning me."
HC: No month ever found me more busily engaged than November; but as my life consisted of activity
and unyielding exertions, I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it. I continued my labors
daily, preparing for the school, and received the following:
1
1It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and
ordained a
presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions
round about;
2and should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn
the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;
3and devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give
unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of
heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added
thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
4And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh,
and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night-
5therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the
children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.
6And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant
Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;
7therefore, blessed is
my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding
the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble
himself before me.
8And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if
he continue to be a faithful
witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in
the mansions of my Father. Even so.Amen.
COVENANT OF TITHING
November 29, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:174-175
On November 28, representatives of the Lewis, New York, branch of the church arrived with money
collected from the branch to purchase land in Missouri. After meeting with the leaders, the
representatives agreed to loan the money, $430, to the church. Joseph, Oliver, and Frederick G.
Williams cosigned notes to repay the loans the following spring.
This covenant of tithing was entered into exactly 70 weeks prior to Christ's appearance to Joseph and
Oliver in Kirtland on April 3, 1836. Daniel 9:24 says "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people
and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make
reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and
prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."
HC: On the evening of the 29th of November, I united in prayer with Brother Oliver for the continuance
of blessings. After conversing and rejoicing before the Lord on this occasion we agreed to enter into
the following covenant with the Lord, viz:
1
That if the Lord will prosper us in our business, and open the way before
us that we may obtain means to pay our debts, that we be not troubled nor
brought into disrepute before the world nor his people, that after that
of all that he shall give us we will give a tenth, to be bestowed upon
the poor in his church, or as he shall command, and that we will be
faithful over that which he has entrusted to our care and that we may
obtain much: and that our children after us shall remember to observe this
sacred and holy covenant: And that our children and our children's may
know of the same we here subscribe our names with our own hands before
the Lord:
Joseph Smith
Oliver Cowdery
And now, O Father, as Thou didst prosper our father Jacob, and bless him
with protection and prosperity wherever he went, from the time he made
a like covenant before and with Thee; as Thou didst even the same night,
open the heavens unto him and manifest great
mercy and power, and give him promises, wilt Thou do so with us his sons;
and as his blessings prevailed above his progenitors unto the utmost bounds
of the everlasting hills, even so may our blessings prevail like his; and
may Thy servants be preserved from the
power and influence of wicked and unrighteous men; may every weapon formed
against us fall upon the head of him who shall form it; may we be blessed
with a name and a place among Thy Saints here, and Thy sanctified when
they shall rest.Amen.
UNDER CONDEMNATION: DECEMBER 1834 - JUNE 1837
CONDEMNATION
December 5, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:177
This revelation was received at the same time Oliver Cowdery was ordained a president of the high
priesthood and Joseph Smith, Sr., was ordained Patriarch of the church. One specific change that
resulted from this revelation was an increased use of titles when referring to leaders. Minutes of
meetings held prior to this time referred to Joseph and other church leaders by their first names, but
after this meeting minutes refer to Joseph and other members of the presidency as "President."
1
Verily, condemnation rests upon you, who are appointed to lead my Church,
and to be saviors of men: and also upon the church: And there must needs
be a repentance and a reformation among you, in all things, in your ensamples
before the Church, and before
the world, in all your manners, habits and customs, and salutations one
toward another- rendering unto every man the respect due the office, and
calling, and priesthood,
whereunto I the Lord have appointed and ordained you.Amen.
OLIVER ORDAINED A PRESIDENT
December 5, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
JSP
President Smith laid hands upon High Counsellor Cowdery, and ordained him to the Presidency of the
High Priesthood in the Church, saying:
1
Brother, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified for
the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his blood might come
to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, and ordain thee a President
of the high and holy priesthood, to assist in presiding over the Church,
and bearing the keys of this kingdom-which priesthood is after the order
of Melchizedek-which is after the order of the Son of God.
And now, O Father, wilt thou bless this thy servant with wisdom, knowledge,
and
understanding-give him, by the Holy Spirit, a correct understanding of
thy doctrine,
laws, and will-commune with him from on high-let him hear thy voice, and
receive the ministering of the holy angels-deliver him from temptation,
and the power of darkness- deliver him from evil, and from those who may
seek his destruction-be his shield, his
buckler, and his great reward-endow him with power from on high, that
he may write, preach, and proclaim the gospel to his fellowmen in demonstration
of the Spirit and of power-may his feet never slide-may his heart never
feint-may his faith never fail.
Bestow upon him the blessings of his fathers Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and
of Joseph-
Prolong his life to a good old age, and bring him in peace to his end,
and to rejoice with thy saints, even the sanctified, in the celestial kingdom;
for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.Amen.
PRESIDING PATRIARCH
December 6, 1834 - Kirtland, Ohio
TPJS 38-39
JSP
Oliver Cowdery wrote "Joseph Smith, Sr., was ordained a president and a patriarch under the hands of
his son, Joseph, myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, presidents of the church." When
writing this around September 1835, Oliver gave the date for this event as December 18,1833. Later
research has shown the correct date to be December 6, 1834. This date is exactly two years after the
reception of Section 86, which stated "the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your
fathers, for ye are lawful heirs according to the flesh."
1
These are the words which fell from his lips while the visions of the Almighty were
open to his view, saying:
Blessed of the Lord is my father, for he shall stand in the midst of his
posterity and shall be comforted by their blessings when his is old and
bowed down with years, and shall be called a prince over them, and shall be numbered among those who hold
the right of the Patriarchal Priesthood, even the keys of that ministry:
for he shall assemble together his posterity like unto Adam: and the assembly
which he called shall be an example for my father, for thus it is written
of him:
D&C 107:52-55Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan,
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with
the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman,
and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto
them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince,
the archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto
him, "I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come
of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever."
So shall it be with my father: he shall be called a prince over his posterity,
holding the keys of the Patriarchal Priesthood over the kingdom of God
on earth, even the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and he shall sit in
the general assembly of Patriarchs, even in council
with the Ancient of Days when he shall sit and all the Patriarchs with
him and shall enjoy his right and authority under the direction of the
Ancient of Days.
TWELVE APOSTLES CALLED
February 14, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:185-187
HC: President Joseph Smith, Jr., after making many remarks on the subject of choosing the Twelve,
wanted an expression from the brethren, if they would be satisfied to have the Spirit of the Lord
dictate in the choice of the Elders to be Apostles; whereupon all the Elders present expressed their
anxious desire to have it so...President Joseph Smith, Jr., said that the first business of the meeting was
for the Three Witnesses of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
to pray, each one, and then proceed to choose twelve
men from the church as Apostles, to go to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
1
On the 14th
day of February, 1835, a conference or general meeting was called in Kirtland
Ohio by the Presidency of the Church of Christ of 'Latter Day Saints' in
order to consult measures relative to the welfare thereof. The Three special
witnesses of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
being present, that part of the revelation given in Fayette, NY, June
1829 relative to the choosing of twelve apostles, was taken into consideration,
and it was ascertained that the time had come when they should be chosen.
Consequently they
proceeded by the spirit of prophecy and revelation to choose and set apart
from among all the elders of the church the following persons to fill that
high and responsible station:
1. Thomas B Marsh
2. David W Patten
3. Brigham Young
4. Heber C Kimball
5. Orson Hyde
6. William E McLellin
7. Parley P Pratt
8. Luke Johnson
9. William Smith
10. Orson Pratt
11. John F Boynton
12. Lyman E Johnson
These were ordained under the hands of the Three Witnesses and great blessings
were pronounced upon the head of each one by the spirit of prophecy and
to be obtained through faithfulness.
APOSTOLIC CHARGE
February 21, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:194-198
HC: The following general charge was given to the Twelve by President Oliver Cowdery:
1
Dear Brethren, previous to delivering the charge I shall read a part of
a revelation. It is known to you that previous to the organizing of this
church in 1830, the Lord gave
revelations or the church could not have been organized. The people of
this church were weak in faith compared with the ancients. Those who embarked
in this cause, were
desirous to know how the work was to be conducted. They read many things
in the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
concerning their duty and the way the great work ought to be done; but
the minds of men are so constructed that they will not believe without
a testimony of seeing or hearing. The Lord gave us a revelation that in
process of time there should be
Twelve chosen to preach his gospel to Jew and Gentile.
Our minds have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were.
When the time should come, we could not tell, but we sought the Lord by
fasting and prayer, to have our lives prolonged to see this day, to see
you, and to take a retrospect of the
difficulties through which we have passed. but, having seen the day, it
becomes my duty to deliver to you a charge. And first, a few remarks respecting
your ministry. You have many revelations put into your hands. Revelations
to make you acquainted with the
nature of your mission. You will have difficulties by reason of your visiting
all the nations of the world. You will need wisdom in a tenfold proportion
to what you have ever had. You will have to combat all the prejudices of
all nations.
D&C 18
He then read the revelation and proceeded to say: Have you desired this
ministry with all your hearts? If you have desired it, you are called of
God, not of man, to go into all the world. He read again, from the revelation,
what the Lord said to the Twelve. Brethren, you have your duty presented
in this revelation. You have been ordained to the Holy
Priesthood, You have received it from those who had their power and authority
from an angel. You are to preach the gospel to every nation. Should you
in the least degree come short of your duty, great will be your condemnation.
for the greater the calling, the
greater the transgression. I, therefore, warn you to cultivate great humility,
for I know the pride of the human heart. Beware, lest the flatterers of
the world lift you up. Beware lest your affections are captivated by worldly
objects. Let your ministry be first. Remember the souls of men are committed
to your charge, and if you mind your calling you shall
always prosper.
You have been indebted to other men in the first instance for evidence,
on that you have acted. But it is necessary that you receive a testimony
from heaven for yourselves, so that you can bear testimony to the truth
of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and that you have seen
the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the
proper time
arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you
bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer
to fall, but will bear you out, although many will not give heed, yet others
will. You will, therefore, see the necessity of getting this testimony
from heaven.
Never cease striving until you have seen God, face to face. Strengthen
your faith, cast off your doubts, your sins and all your unbelief and nothing
can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete
till God has laid his hand upon you. We
require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us. God
is the same. If the Savior in former days laid his hands on his disciples,
why not in the latter days?
With regard to superiority I must make a few remarks. The ancient Apostles
sought to be great; but, brethren, lest the seeds of discord be sown in
this matter, understand
particularly the voice of the spirit on this occasion. God does not love
you better or more than others. You are to contend for the faith once delivered
to the saints. Jacob, you know wrestled till he obtained. It was by fervent
prayer and diligent search that you have obtained the testimony you are
now able to bear. You are as one, you are equal in bearing the keys of
the kingdom to all nations. You are called to preach the gospel of the
son of God to the nations of the earth. It is the will of your Heavenly
Father that you proclaim his gospel to the ends of the earth. and the islands
of the sea.
Be zealous to save souls. The soul of one man is as precious as the soul
of another. You are to bear this message to those who consider themselves
wise. and such may persecute you, they may seek your life. The adversary
has always sought the life of the servants of God. You are, therefore,
to be prepared at all times to make a sacrifice of your lives, should God
require them in the advancement and building up of his cause. Murmur not
at God. Be
always prayerful, be always watchful. You will bear with me while I relieve
the feelings of my heart. We shall not see another day like this. The time
has fully come; the voice of the spirit has come to set these men apart.
You will see the time when you will desire to see such a day as this,
and you will not see it. Every heart wishes you peace and prosperity. but
the scene, with you, will inevitably
change. Let no man take your bishopric, and beware that you lose not your
crowns. It will require your whole souls. It will require courage like
Enoch's.
The time is near when you will be in the midst of congregations, who will
gnash their teeth upon you. This gospel must roll and will roll till it
fill the whole Earth. Did I say congregations would gnash upon you? Yea
I say nations will gnash upon you. You will be considered the worst of
men. Be not discouraged at this. When God pours out his Spirit, the enemy
will rage, but God, remember, is on your right hand and on your left. A
man, though he may be considered the worst, has joy who is conscious that
he pleases God.
The lives of those who proclaim the true gospel will be in danger; this
has been the case ever since the days of righteous Abel. The same opposition
has been manifest whenever men came forward to publish the gospel. The
time is coming when you will be considered the worst by many, and by some
the best of men. The time is coming when you will be perfectly familiar
with the things of God. This testimony will make those who do not
believe your testimony, seek your lives. But there are whole nations who
will receive your testimony. They will call you good men. Be not lifted
up when you are called good men. Remember you are young men, and you shall
be spared, I include the other three. Bear them in mind in your prayers
carry their cases to a throne of grace. Although they are not present,
yet you and they are equal. This appointment is calculated to create an
affection in you, for each other, stronger than death.
You will travel to other nations; bear each other in mind. If one or more
is cast into
prisons, let the others pray for him, and deliver him by their prayers.
Your lives shall be in great jeopardy, but the promise of God is that you
shall be delivered.
Remember you are not to go to other nations till you receive your endowment.
Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power from on high. You need
a fountain of
wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence such as you never had. Relative to
the endowment, I make a remark or two, that there be no mistake. The world
cannot receive the things of God. He can endow you without worldly pomp
or great parade. He can give you that
wisdom, that intelligence and that power which characterized the ancient
Saints and now characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world.
The greatness of your commission consists in this: you are to hold the
keys of this ministry. You are to go to the nations afar off; nations that
sit in darkness. The day is coming when the work of God must be done. Israel
shall be gathered, The seed of Jacob shall be gathered from their long
dispersion. There will be a feast to Israel, the elect of God. It is a
sorrowful tale, but the gospel must be preached and God's ministers be
rejected. but where can Israel be found, and receive your testimony, and
not rejoice? Nowhere. The prophecies are full of great things that are
to take place in the last days.
After the elect are gathered out, destruction shall come on the inhabitants
of the Earth. All nations shall feel the wrath of God, after they have
been warned by the saints of the Most High. If you will not warn them others
will and you will lose your crowns.
You must prepare your minds to bid a long farewell to Kirtland. even till
the great day come. You will see what you never expected to see. You will
need the mind of Enoch or Elijah and the faith of the brother of Jared.
You must be prepared to walk by faith,
however appalling the prospect to human view. You, and each of you, should
feel the force of the imperious mandate, "Son, go labor in my vineyard"
and cheerfully receive what comes. But in the end you will stand while
others will fall.
You have read in the revelation concerning ordination, "Beware how you
ordain, for all nations are not like this nation." They will willingly
receive the ordinances at your hand to put you out of the way. There will
be times, when nothing but the angels of God can deliver you out of their
hand. We appeal to your intelligence, we appeal to your
understanding, that we have so far discharged our duty to you. We consider
it one of the greatest condescensions of our Heavenly Father in pointing
you out to us. You will be stewards over this ministry. We have work to
do, that no other men can do. You must proclaim the gospel in its simplicity
and purity. and we commend you to God and the word of his grace. You have
our best wishes, you have our most fervent prayers, that you may be able
to bear this testimony, that you have seen the face of God. Therefore,
call
upon him in faith and mighty prayer, till you prevail, for it is your
duty and your privilege to bear such testimony for yourselves.
We now exhort you to be faithful to fulfil your calling, there must be
no lack here. You must fulfil in all things, and permit us to repeat, all
nations have a claim on you. You are bound together as the three witnesses
were. You, notwithstanding can part and meet, and meet and part again,
till your heads are silvered over with age.
APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTIONS
February 27, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:200
HC: President Smith proposed the following question: "What importance is there attached to the
calling of these Twelve Apostles, different from other callings or officers of the Church?" After the
question was discussed by Councilors Patten, Young, Smith, and McLellin, President Joseph Smith, Jr.,
gave the following decision:
1
They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Travelling
High
Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the
Gentiles, where there is
HC changed this to "a"
no
presidency established; and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles,
until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. They are to hold the
keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the kingdom of heaven unto
all nations, and to preach the gospel to every creature. This is the power,
authority, and virtue of their apostleship.
QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY CALLED
February 28, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:201-202
HC: On the 28th of February, the Church in council assembled, commenced selecting certain individuals
to be Seventies, from the number of those who went up to Zion with me in the camp; and the
following are the names of those who were ordained and blessed at that time, to begin the
organization of the first quorum of Seventies, according to the visions and revelations which I have
received. The Seventies are to constitute traveling quorums, to go into all the earth, whithersoever the
Twelve Apostles shall call them.
Names of the Presidents...of the First Quorum of Seventies, Ordained Under the Hand of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, with his two Counselors, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery: Hazen Aldrich, Leonard
Rich, Joseph Young, Zebedee Coltrin, Levi Hancock, Lyman Sherman, Sylvester Smith.
1
ORDERS AND OFFICES
107
March/April 1835 and November 11, 1831 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 3
HC 2:209-217
HC: This afternoon (March 28th) the Twelve met in council, and had a time of general confession. On
reviewing our past course we are satisfied, and feel to confess also, that we have not realized the
importance of our calling to that degree that we ought; we have been light-minded and vain, and in
many things have done wrong. For all these things we have asked the forgiveness of our heavenly
Father; and wherein we have grieved or wounded the feelings of the Presidency, we ask their
forgiveness. The time when we are about to separate is near; and when we shall meet again, God only
knows; we therefore feel to ask of him whom we have acknowledged to be our Prophet and Seer, that
he inquire of God for us, and obtain a revelation, (if consistent) that we may look upon it when we are
separated, that our hearts may be comforted. Our worthiness has not inspired us to make this request,
but our unworthiness. We have unitedly asked God our heavenly Father to grant unto us through His
Seer, a revelation of His mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation,
that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the powers of
darkness. In compliance with the above request, I inquired of the Lord, and received for answer the
following:
1
ORDERS OF THE PRIESTHOOD
1There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and
Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
2Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek
was such a great high priest.
3Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the
Son of God.
4But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid
the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days,
called that
priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.
5All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this
priesthood.
6But there are two divisions or
grand heads-one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic
or Levitical Priesthood.
7The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek.
8The
Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and
authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world,
to administer in spiritual things.
9The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek,
have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church.
10High priests after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right
to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the
presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office
of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member.
11An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is
not present.
12The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable
to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right
to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher
authorities present.
13The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it was
conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations.
14Why it is called the lesser
priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek
Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances.
15The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys
or authority of the same.
16No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood,
except he be a literal descendant of Aaron.
17But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate
in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when
no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and
set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of
the Melchizedek Priesthood.
18The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to
hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church-
19to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,
to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly
and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of
God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.
20The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold
the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances,
the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of
sins, agreeable to the covenants and
commandments.
21Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding officers growing out of,
or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the several offices
in these two priesthoods.
Presiding officers
22Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by
the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence,
faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the
Church.
23The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles,
or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world-thus differing
from other officers in the church in
the duties of their calling.
24And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents
previously mentioned.
25The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses
unto the Gentiles and in all the world-thus differing from other officers
in the church in the
duties of their calling.
26And they form a quorum, equal in authority to that of the Twelve special
witnesses or Apostles just named.
Decision making
27And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous
voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed
to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or
validity one with the other-
28a majority may form a quorum when circumstances render it impossible to
be otherwise-
29unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same
blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently,
who were ordained after the order of
Melchizedek, and were righteous and holy men.
30The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all
righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering,
and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness,
brotherly kindness and charity;
31because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not
be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.
32And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness,
it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums, which
constitute the spiritual authorities of the church; otherwise there can
be no appeal from their decision.
33The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the
name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church,
agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate
all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and
secondly unto the Jews.
34The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of
the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and
regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles
and then to the Jews-
35the Twelve being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation
of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and
first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews.
36The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal
in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the
quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council.
37The high council in Zion form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs
of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the Twelve at
the stakes of Zion.
Duties of the Twelve
38It is the duty of the traveling high council to call upon the Seventy,
when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and
administering the gospel, instead of any others.
39It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to
ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by
revelation-
The evangelical priesthood
40The order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father
to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed,
to whom the promises were
made.
41This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage
in the following manner:
42From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of sixty-nine years,
and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam's) death, and
received the promise of God by his father, that his posterity should be
the chosen of the Lord, and that they
should be preserved unto the end of the earth;
43because he (Seth) was a perfect man, and his likeness was the express
likeness of his father, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father
in all things, and could be distinguished from him only by his age.
44Enos was ordained at the age of one hundred and thirty-four years and
four months, by the hand of Adam.
45God called upon Cainan in the wilderness in the fortieth year of his age;
and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was eighty-seven
years old when he received his ordination.
46Mahalaleel was four hundred and ninety-six years and seven days old when
he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.
47Jared was two hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Adam, who also blessed him.
48Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him.
49And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually;
and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four
hundred and thirty years old when he was translated.
50Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand
of Adam.
51Lamech was thirty-two years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Seth.
52Noah was ten years old when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah.
53Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan,
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with
the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman,
and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.
54And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and
called him Michael, the prince, the archangel.
55And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him, "I have
set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee,
and thou art a prince over them forever."
56And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation; and, notwithstanding
he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever
should befall his posterity unto the latest generation.
57These things were all written in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified
of in due time.
58It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order all the
other officers of the church, agreeable to the revelation which says:
November 11, 1831
OFFICES IN THE CHURCH
59To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church
laws respecting church business-
60Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be
Presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder;
61And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest;
62And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner,
And also the deacons-
63wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from
priest to elder, severally as they are appointed, according to
the Church Articles and Covenantsthe covenants and commandments of the church.
President of the High Priesthood
64Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all.
65Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood
to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the
High Priesthood of the Church;
66or, in other words, the
Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church.
67From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon
the church, by the laying on of the hands.
President of the Aaronic Priesthood
68Wherefore, the office of a bishop is not equal unto it; for the office
of a bishop is in
administering all temporal things;
69nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the High Priesthood, unless
he is a literal descendant of Aaron;
70for unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys
of that priesthood.
71Nevertheless, a high priest, that is, after the order of Melchizedek,
may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, having a knowledge
of them by the Spirit of truth;
72and also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to
sit in judgment upon transgressors upon testimony as it shall be laid before
him according to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors, whom he
has chosen or will choose among the elders of the
church.
73This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron,
but has been ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
74Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of
Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall
be set apart unto this ministry, until the borders of Zion are enlarged
and it becomes necessary to have other bishops or judges in Zion or elsewhere.
75And inasmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the
same office.
76But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal right to the presidency
of this priesthood, to the keys of this ministry, to act in the office
of bishop independently, without counselors, except in a case where a President
of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is tried, to sit
as a judge in Israel.
Decisions of the councils
77And the decision of either of these councils, agreeable to the commandment
which says:
78Again, verily, I say unto you, the most important business of the church,
and the most difficult cases of the church, inasmuch as there is not satisfaction
upon the decision of the bishop or judges, it shall be handed over and
carried up unto the council of the church, before the Presidency of the
High Priesthood.
79And the Presidency of the council of the High Priesthood shall have power
to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as
counselors; and thus the Presidency of the High Priesthood and its counselors
shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the
church.
80And after this
decision it shall be had in remembrance no more before the Lord; for this
is the highest
council of the church of God, and a final decision upon controversies
in spiritual matters.
81There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this
council of the church.
Disciplining the President of the High Priesthood
82And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood shall transgress, he
shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who
shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood;
83and their decision upon his head shall be an end of
controversy concerning him.
84Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that
all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according
to truth and righteousness.
Duties of the presidents
85And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office
of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them,
and to teach them their duty, edifying one another, as it is given according
to the covenants.
86And also the duty of the president over the office of the teachers is
to preside over twenty-four of the teachers, and to sit in council with
them, teaching them the duties of their office, as given in the covenants.
87Also the duty of the president over the Priesthood of Aaron is to preside
over forty-eight priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the
duties of their office, as is given in the covenants-
88this president is to be a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this
priesthood.
89Again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside
over ninety-six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them
according to the covenants.
90This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed
for those who do not travel into all the world.
91And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood
is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses-
92behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator,
and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head
of the church.
93And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that
they should have
seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the
seventy;
94and the
seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six;
95and these seven presidents
are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they belong,
and are to preside over them;
96and also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the
vineyard of necessity requires it.
97And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the
Gentiles first and also unto the Jews.
98Whereas other officers of the church, who belong
not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the responsibility
to travel
among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow,
notwithstanding
they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church.
99Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office
in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that
learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted
worthy to stand. Even so.Amen.
LIMITATIONS ON THE TWELVE
May 2, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:220
HC: A grand council was held in Kirtland...after the conference was opened, and the Twelve had taken
their seats, President Joseph Smith, Jr., said that it would be the duty of the Twelve, when in council, to
take their seats together according to age, the oldest to be seated at the head, and preside in the first
council, the next oldest in the second, and so on until the youngest had presided; and then begin at the
oldest again. President Joseph Smith then stated that:
1
The Twelve will have no right to go into Zion, or any of its stakes, and
there undertake to regulate the affairs thereof, where there is a standing
high council; but it is their duty to go abroad and regulate all matters
relative to the different branches of the Church. When the Twelve are together,
or a quorum of them, in any church, they will have authority to act independently,
and make decisions, and those decision will be valid. But where there is
not a quorum, they will have to do business by the voice of the Church.
No standing High Council has authority to go into the churches abroad,
and regulate the matters thereof, for this belongs to the Twelve.
The Twelve and the Seventy have particularly to depend upon their ministry
for their support, and that of their families; and they have a right, by
virtue of their offices, to call upon the churches to assist them.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS CANONIZED
August 17, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
JSP
Convened in Kirtland August 17th
1835 by the presidency of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, for the
purpose of examining a
BOOK
OF
COMMANDMENTS
and covenants, which has been compiled and written
by the following committee, which was appointed by a general assembly of the Church in Kirtland Sept.
24th
1834 and instructing the writers of said book. This committee was nominated by the speaker of
the high council, seconded and voted into this office, by the whole body of the church then assembled.
The names of the committee are as follows: Joseph Smith Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Frederick G. Williams.
This committee having finished said book according to the instructions given them, it was deemed
necessary to call the general assembly of the Church to see whether the book be approved or not by
the authorities of the church, that it may, if approved, become a law unto the church, and a rule of
faith and practice unto the same.
1
President Oliver Cowdery then arose with the book of
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
containing the faith articles and covenants of the Latter Day Saints,
then proceeded to take the vote of the whole House commencing with the
Presidents of Zion.
President William Phelps arose and spoke in high commendation of the book
aforenamed and said that he had examined it carefully, that it was well
arranged and calculated to
govern the church in righteousness, if followed would bring the members
to see eye to eye. And further that he had received the testimony from
God, that the revelations and commandments contained therein are true,
wherefore, he knew assuredly for himself having received witness from heaven,
and not from men.
President John Whitmer testified also that he was well acquainted with
the work and knew it to be true and from God.
President John Smith arose and testified his joy, that we have at length
received the long wished for document to govern the church in righteousness
and bring the Elders to see eye
to eye: and further that he was present when some of the revelations contained
therein were given, and was satisfied they came from God.
President John Smith then called the vote of the Presidency which was
carried as follows: that they would receive the book as the rule of their
faith and practice, and put themselves under the guidance of the same and
also that they were satisfied with the committee that were chosen to compile
it, as having discharged their duty faithfully. The vote of the high council
was then called and carried in confirmation of the above.
Counsellor Levi Jackman, then arose and said that he had examined as many
of the
revelations contained in the book as were printed in Zion and as firmly
believes them as he does the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
or the BIBLE
and also the whole contents of the book. He then called for the vote of
the High Council from Zion, which they gave in favor of the book and also
of the committee.
President Phelps, then arose and read the written testimony of the 12
Apostles in favor of the book and the committee who compiled it. The Presidents
of the 70 Apostles were then called upon to give their decision on the
said book. President Leonard Rich, who was appointed to speak for the Seventy
on this occasion, took the book and said that he had
examined the Lectures and many of the revelations contained in it, and
was perfectly satisfied with the same, and further, that he knew that they
were true by the testimony of the Holy Spirit of God given unto him; he
then called for the vote of as many of the
Seventy as were present, which was unanimously given in favor of the book,
and also that they were perfectly satisfied with the committee that compiled
it.
The book was then presented to Newel K. Whitney, Bishop of Kirtland, who
received it and testified that he had examined the Lectures that were contained
in it, and that he
believed them beyond a doubt, and the revelations contained in it he knew
were true, for God had testified to him by his holy Spirit, for many of
them were given under his roof and in his presence through President Joseph
committee Smith Jr., the prophet of Lord. He then called for the vote of
his counsellors, which was given in favor of the book and also of the committee
that compiled it as having discharged their duty faithfully.
The book was then handed to counsellor John Corrill, who acted in the
place of Edward Partridge, Bishop in Zion. He said that he received it
with great joy and was perfectly satisfied with the same, and most cordially
received it as a rule of faith and practice, and also his entire satisfaction
with the labors of the committee. He also stated that he knew the work
to be true, then called for the vote of his council which was given in
favor of the book and of the committee.
Elder John Gould then took the book and said that he knew it was true,
and also the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, because he had received the testimony
of the Spirit in favor of them,
and that he was well satisfied with the committee. He called for the voice
of the Elders, which was given in favor of the work and that they were
satisfied with the committee.
Priest Ira Ames took the book and said he was present in the general assembly
which appointed the committee, and that he was well satisfied with the
fruit of their labors. He then took the vote of the Priests, who gave their
voice to receive it, being satisfied with the labors of the committee.
The book being handed to Teacher Erastus Babbitt, he arose and said he
had been present when one of the revelations contained in it was given,
and that he received it at the time as coming from God, and that he was
willing to be governed by the rules contained in the book, for he verily
believed them to be good, and he was well satisfied with the labors of
the committee. He also obtained the voice of all the Teachers present
in favor of the work and the committee.
Deacon William Burgess took the book into his hands stating that he fully
approved of the matter contained in it, and gave his voice in favor of
the committee. There being only one Deacon present beside himself, he called
upon him to give his voice concerning this book, and he said he received
it with joy and was satisfied with the committee.
Brother Thomas Gates then took the book and expressed his satisfaction
with it, and also called a vote of all the members present, both male and
female, and they gave a decided voice in favor of it and also of the committee.
There being a very large portion of the
church present, all of the above testimonies and votes were voluntarily
and unhesitatingly given with the utmost freedom of conscience on part
of the assembly.
President William W. Phelps then arose and read a chapter of Rules for
Marriage among the Saints, and the whole church voted to receive it. It
is therefore to be attached to the book.
President Oliver Cowdery then arose and read an instrument containing
certain principles or items upon laws in general and church government.
Vote of the whole house called for and unanimously given by the usual sign
of uplifted hands in favor of the same.
DOCTRINE & COVENANTS CANONIZED
August 17, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:243-246
1
At a General Assembly of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, according
to previous notice, held on the 17th
of August, 1835 to take into consideration the labors of a certain committee
which had been appointed by a General Assembly of September 24, 1834, as
follows:
The Assembly being duly organized, and after transacting certain business
of the
church, proceeded to appoint a committee to arrange the items of doctrine
of Jesus Christ, for the government of his church of the Latter Day Saints,
which church was organized and commenced its rise on the 6th
day of April, 1830. These items are to be taken from the BIBLE,
BOOK
OF
MORMON
, and the revelations which have been given to said church up to this
date, or shall be until such arrangement is made.
Elder Samuel H. Smith, for the assembly, moved that presiding elders,
Joseph Smith Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams
compose said committee. The nomination was seconded by elder Hyrum Smith,
whereupon it
received the unanimous vote of the assembly.
OLIVER COWDERY
ORSON HYDE
Clerks
Wherefore Presidents Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, proceeded and organized
the high council of the church at Kirtland, and Presidents William W. Phelps
and John Whitmer proceeded and organized the high council of the church
in Missouri. Bishop Newel K. Whitney proceeded and organized his counsellors
of the church in Kirtland, and acting Bishop John Corrill, organized the
counsellors of the church in Missouri: and also Presidents Leonard Rich,
Levi W. Hancock, Sylvester Smith and Lyman Sherman,
organized the council of the Seventy; and also, Elder John Gould, acting
President, organized the travelling Elders; and also Ira Ames, acting President
organized the Priests; and also Erastus Babbitt, acting President, organized
the Teachers; and also William
Burgess, acting President, organized the Deacons; and also Thomas Gates,
assisted by John Young, William Cowdery, Andrew H. Aldrich, Job S. Lewis
and Oliver Higley, as
Presidents of the day, organized the whole assembly. Elder Levi W. Hancock
appointed chorister: a hymn was then sung and the services of the day opened
by the prayer of
President Oliver Cowdery, and the solemnities of eternity rested upon
the audience. Another hymn was sung; after transacting some business for
the church the audience adjourned for one hour.
Afternoon-After a hymn was sung, President Cowdery arose and introduced
the BOOK OF
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS in
behalf of the committee. He was followed by President Rigdon, who explained
the manner by which they intended to obtain the voice of the assembly for
or against said book. The other two committee, named above, were absent.
According to said
arrangement, W. W. Phelps bore record that the book presented to the assembly
was true. President John Whitmer also arose, and testified that it was
true. Elder John Smith, taking the lead of the high council in Kirtland,
bore record that the revelations in said book were true, and that the lectures
were judiciously arranged and compiled, and were profitable for doctrine;
whereupon the high council of Kirtland accepted and acknowledged them as
the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Elder Levi
Jackman, taking the lead of the high council of the church in Missouri,
bore testimony that the revelations in said book were true, and the said
high council of Missouri accepted and acknowledged them as the doctrine
and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
President W. W. Phelps then read the written testimony of the Twelve,
as follows:
The testimony of the witnesses to the book of the Lord's commandments,
which he gave to his church through Joseph Smith, Jr. who was appointed
by the voice of the
church for this purpose: we therefore feel willing to bear testimony to
all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth,
and upon the islands of the sea, that the Lord has borne record to our
souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth
upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and
are
profitable for all men, and are verily true. We give this testimony unto
the world, the Lord being our helper: and it is through the grace of God
the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this
privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice
exceedingly, praying the Lord always, that the
children of men may be profited thereby.
Elder Leonard Rich bore record of the truth of the book and the council
of the Seventy
accepted and acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith,
by a unanimous vote.
Bishop Newel K. Whitney bore record of the truth of the book, and with
his counsellors, accepted and acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Acting Bishop John Corrill, bore record of the truth of the book, and
with his counsellors, accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and
covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Acting President, John Gould,
gave his testimony in favor of the book, and with the travelling Elders,
accepted and acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their
faith, by a unanimous vote.
Ira Ames, acting President of the Priests, gave his testimony in favor
of the book, and with the Priests, accepted and acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Erastus Babbit, acting President of the Teachers, gave his testimony in
favor of the book, and they accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrines
and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Wm. Burges acting President of the Deacons, bore record of the truth of
the book, and they accepted and acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith, by a
unanimous vote.
The venerable President Thomas Gates, then bore record of the truth of
the book, and with his five silver-headed assistants, and the whole congregation,
accepted and
acknowledged it as the
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of their faith, by a unanimous
vote. The several authorities, and the general assembly, by a unanimous
vote, accepted of the labors of the committee.
President W. W. Phelps then read an article on Marriage, which was accepted
and adopted, and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote.
President Oliver Cowdery then read an article on "Governments and Laws
in General," which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be printed
in said book, by a unanimous vote.
A hymn was then sung. President Sidney Rigdon returned thanks, after which
the assembly was blessed by the Presidency, with uplifted hands, and dismissed.
THOMAS BURDICK
WARREN PARRISH
SYLVESTER SMITH
Clerks
ARTICLE ON MARRIAGE
August 17, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 101
HC 2:246-247
HC: President W. W. Phelps then read the following article on marriage, which was accepted and
adopted and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote.
This section was removed from
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
in 1876.
1
1According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated
by laws and
ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of
Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting,
or feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization should
be performed by a presiding high priest, high priest, bishop, elder, or
priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married,
of being married by other authority. We believe that it is not right to
prohibit members of this church from marrying out of the church, if it
be their determination so to do, but
such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ.
2Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving; and at the
solemnization, the persons to be married, standing together, the man on
the right, and the woman on the left, shall be addressed, by the person
officiating, as he shall be directed by the holy Spirit; and if there be
no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: "You both
mutually agree to be each other's companion, husband and wife, observing
the legal rights
belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each
other, and from all others, during your lives." And when they have answered
"Yes," he shall pronounce them husband and wife in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested
in him: "May God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants
from henceforth and forever.Amen."
3The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages, solemnized
in his branch.
4All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into
this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled.
Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of
fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should
have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death,
when either is at liberty to marry again.
It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will
of her husband, neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband.
All children are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence them
to embrace any religious faith, or be baptized, or leave their parents
without their consent, is unlawful and unjust. We believe that all persons
who exercise control over their fellow beings, and prevent them from embracing
the truth, will have to answer for that sin.
GOVERNMENTS AND LAWS
134
August 17, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
1835: 102
HC 2:247-249
HC: President Oliver Cowdery then read the following article on Governments and Laws in General which was accepted and adopted and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote:
1
1We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of
man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them,
both in making laws and
administering them, for the good and safety of society.
2We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are
framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise
of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of
life.
3We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and
magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer
the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice
of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.
4We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable
to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious
opinions prompt them to infringe
upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human
law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the
consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that
the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience;
should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.
5We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective
governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and
inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and
rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished
accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as
in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest;
at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience.
6We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and
magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and
the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect
and deference, as without them peace and
harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted
for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and
nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing
rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered
by man to his Maker.
7We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are
bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise
of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right
in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in
their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws
and such
religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.
8We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to
the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the
breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according
to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws
of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public
peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability
in
bringing offenders against good laws to punishment.
9We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government,
whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its
spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens,
denied.
10We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their
members for
disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies;
provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we
do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the
right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to
put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical
punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society,
and
withdraw from them their fellowship.
11We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all
wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of
property or character
infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe
that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and
property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments
of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made
to the laws, and relief afforded.
12We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and
warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world;
but we do not believe it right to
interfere with bond-servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize
them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with
or influence them in the least to
cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby
jeopardizing the lives of men; such interference we believe to be unlawful
and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human
beings to be held in servitude.
BLESSING FROM OLIVER COWDERY
September 22, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
JSP
An explanatory note written by Cowdery in Patriarchal Blessing Book 1 states that he felt a personal
desire to know the mind of the Spirit concerning Joseph Smith. Cowdery "besought the Lord in prayer
and fasting," and, according to Cowdery, God "opened the heavens upon me" and provided the
blessing for Joseph Smith in the form of a heavenly vision.
1
Blessed of the Lord is my brother, for the integrity of his heart and
the steadfastness of his soul. Upheld by the arm of the Almighty he shall
never fall, but shall be strengthened by his right hand till he overcomes.
Like Jacob of old he shall wrestle with the angel, and as a prince shall
he have power with God, and shall prevail.
Ever faithful to his friends and true to his word, the goodness of the
Most High shall sustain him, and thousands shall stand up to defend him
from the hand of his enemies, and put forth the hand and ward off the blow
were it needful: but ere his foes are aware he shall be hid under the pavilion
of the Lord Jehovah; for, with the voice of his thunder shall he strike
terror to their hearts, and as with the wings of an eagle shall my brother
be carried beyond all harm, by the power of the Anointed. From amid the burning
bush, like Moses of old, shall he hear the voice, saying, "I am the God
of thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I have seen, I have seen, the
affliction of my people and am come down to
deliver them. Go, thou, and say to the strength of my house, 'To your
tents, O Israel: build up the wastes and raise up the foundation of desolation
that this generation has made.'"
Thus shall he be honored of the Lord, and thus shall it be recorded of
him, that the generations to come may bless his name, in Israel, saying,
"The Lord make thee as Joseph the Seer, who was of the house of Ephraim,
the brother of Manasseh: the Lord do thee
good and bring peace and blessings upon thy house as he brought them upon
the house of Joseph the Seer, who was raised up of a choice vine from the
stem of Jacob through the root of Joseph, even that Joseph who was separated
from his brethren."
For, like Joseph of old shall he be: he shall save the just from desolation,
by the wise
counsel of the Almighty; for by his direction shall they gather into store-houses
and barns, till they overflow with the richness of the fruit of harvest:
and by this means shall the just be saved from famine, while the nations
of the wicked are distressed and faint.
In due time shall he go forth toward the north, and by the power of his
word shall the
deep begin to give way and the ice melt before the sun. By the keys of
the Kingdom shall he lead Israel into the land of Zion while the house
of Jacob shouts in the dance and in the song-Joy, O my soul, in that day,
for thou shalt be with him and bear thy part in the keys which are confirmed
upon thee for an everlasting priesthood, forever and ever- Joy, O my heart,
in that day, with thanks giving and with praise, for thou shalt stand with
him before the hosts of Israel- the lame shall leap as a hart, the old
shall renew his strength, and the virgin of Israel, with the youth, shall
exalt the name of our God upon harps and instruments of tense strings.
He shall be a sure arrow in the bow of his God, for he shall be hid under
the shadow of his wing. His loins shall be like iron, girded by the hand
of the Lord, and his feet shall be swift to execute the commandment of
the Most High when he shall say, "Destroy." His name shall be had in everlasting
remembrance, and his name <seed> after him, for they shall be saved
to the uttermost.
His fame shall be sounded in foreign lands, even to the ends of the earth,
as well as nigh at home: for in this the times shall change- a prophet
shall have honor in his own country.
His learning and wisdom shall astonish the great, for they shall acknowledge
that by his intelligence he has far surpassed their learning and their
science. In palaces of governors, rulers and kings shall he be honored,
even in his person, for God shall give him power to prevail. He shall be
a lawgiver to Israel and shall teach the house of Jacob the statutes of
the Most High. His testimony shall shine like the sun, and the weight
of his influence shall be like the great river that rises on the east of
the lasting hills, and flows into the great
deep-so shall his righteousness ever abound.
He shall partake of the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: the chief
things of the
ancient mountains, the precious things that couch beneath, and of the
treasures hid in the sand. The records of past ages and generations, and
the histories of ancient days shall he
bring forth: even the record of the Nephites shall he again obtain, with
all those hid up by Mormon, and others who were righteous, and many others,
till he is overwhelmed with knowledge. No precious thing shall slumber
from his possession, for he shall be covered
with the most choice of all ages, till his soul shall be satisfied and
his heart shall say, "Enough, Enough!"
In his hands shall the Urim and Thummim remain and the holy ministry,
and the keys of the evangelical priesthood, also, for an everlasting priesthood
forever, even the patriarchal; for, behold, he is the first patriarch in
the last days. He shall sit in the great assembly and general council of
patriarchs, and execute the will and commandment of God under the
direction of the Ancient of Days; for he shall have his place and act
in his station.
Behold, my brother Joseph is blessed: blessed are all who bless him, and
blessed are all those whom he blesses. Multitudes, multitudes, shall come
to a knowledge of the truth through his ministry, and he shall be welcomed
into the presence of kings and the great ones of the earth; for he shall
claim his place among the nobles of the earth and shall be
reverenced by them. He shall also be filled with the abundance of the
fat of the earth: his flocks shall bring forth thousands and tens of thousands:
his vats shall overflow with wine and oil; his cattle shall increase to
a multitude; he shall have horses and mules, asses, she asses and dromedaries,
camels and elephants, and all swift beasts, and when he goes forth in haste
his chariots shall roar like the approach of an army; he shall have gold
and silver, precious stones, diamonds, pearls, and the pure platinum, with
the antiquities of every kind.
Thus shall God bless, and thus shall he be prospered: and he shall have
peace after a little; for his enemies shall be consumed, many of them,
and many shall turn and be his friends in very deed: he shall remain to
a good old age, even till his head is like the pure wool.
Behold, there is no end to the vision, of the multiplicity of blessings
and glories which shall come upon my brother Joseph. He shall possess a
mansion on high and have an
inheritance in that city which is like pure gold, even like transparent
glass. His rest shall be glorious and his name remain forever.
Thus closes the vision, and thus it shall be; even so.Amen.
THE TWELVE UNDER CONDEMNATION
November 3, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:300-301
Thus came the word of the Lord unto me saying concerning the Twelve, saying:
1
Behold they are under condemnation, because they have not been sufficiently
humble in my sight, and in consequence of their covetous desires, in that
they have not dealt equally
with each other in the division of the moneys which came into their hands.
Nevertheless some of them dealt equally therefore they shall be rewarded.
But verily I say unto you they must all humble themselves before me, before
they will be accounted worthy to
receive an endowment to go forth in my name unto all nations.
As for my Servant William Smith, let the Eleven humble themselves in prayer
and in faith and wait on me in patience and my servant William shall return,
and I will yet make him a polished shaft in my quiver, in bringing down
the wickedness and abominations of men and their shall be none mightier
than he in his day and generation. Nevertheless if he
repent not speedily he shall be brought low and shall be chastened sorely
for all his
iniquities he has committed against me. Nevertheless the sin which he
hath sinned against me is not even now more grievous than the sin with
which my servant David W. Patten and my servant Orson Hyde and my servant
William E. McLellin have sinned against me, and the residue are not sufficiently
humble before me.
Behold the parable which I spake concerning a man having twelve sons,
for what man among you having twelve sons and is no respecter to them and
they serve him obediently and he saith unto the one, "Be thou clothed in
robes and sit thou here," and to the other, "Be thou clothed in rags and
sit thou there," and looketh upon his sons and saith, "I am just," ye will
answer and say, "No man," and ye answer truly, therefore.
Verily thus saith the Lord your God, I appointed these twelve that they
should be equal in their ministry and in their portion and in their evangelical
rights, wherefore they have sinned a very grievous sin, inasmuch as they
have made themselves unequal and have not hearkened unto my voice therefore
let them repent speedily and prepare their hearts for the solemn assembly
and for the great day which is to come. Verily thus saith the Lord.Amen.
SECOND COMMISSION
November 9, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:305
On the morning of November 9, a man calling himself "Joshua the Jewish minister," arrived at the
home of Joseph Smith in Kirtland. Joseph hosted him for the next two days and invited him to expound
on his religious views, but he ultimately denounced his visitor and told him to leave. History of the
Church was edited to attribute this quotation to the visitor, whereas the original quotation in context
seems to have come from Joseph.
1
It is not necessary that God should give us all things at first, or in
his first commission to us, but in his second. John saw the angel deliver
the gospel in the last days,
These words were removed from HC.
which would not be necessary if it were already in the world. This expression would
be inconsistent
.
The small lights that God has given are sufficient to lead us out of Babylon
and when we get out we shall have the greater light.
1835 HISTORY WRITTEN
November 9-11, 1835
1835 Account
1
ENDOWMENT NEEDED TO PREACH
November 12, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:308-310
HC: This evening, at 6 o'clock, met with the Council of the Twelve, by their request. Nine of them were
present. Council opened by singing and prayer. And I made some remarks as follows:
1
The endowment you are so anxious about, you cannot comprehend now, nor
could
Gabriel explain it to the understanding of your dark minds; but strive
to be prepared in your hearts, be faithful in all things, that when we
meet in the solemn assembly, that is, when such as God shall name out of
all the official members shall meet, we must be clean every whit. Let us
be faithful and silent, brethren, and if God gives you a manifestation,
keep it to yourselves; be watchful and prayerful, and you shall have a
prelude of those joys that God will pour out on that day. Do not watch
for iniquity in each other, if you do you will not get an endowment, for
God will not bestow it on such. But if we are faithful, and live by every
word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God, I will venture to prophesy
that we shall get a blessing that will be worth remembering, if we should
live as long as John the Revelator; our blessings will be such as we have
not realized before, nor received in this generation. The order of the
house of God has been, and ever will be, the same,
even after Christ comes; and after the termination of the thousand years
it will be the same; and we shall finally enter into the celestial Kingdom
of God, and enjoy it forever.
You need an endowment, brethren, in order that you may be prepared and
able to
overcome all things; and those that reject your testimony will be damned.
The sick will be healed, the lame made to walk, the deaf to hear, and the
blind to see, through your
instrumentality. But let me tell you, that you will not have power, after
the endowment to heal those that have not faith, nor to benefit them, for
you might as well expect to benefit a devil in hell as such as are possessed
of his spirit, and are willing to keep it; for they are habitations for
devils, and only fit for his society. But when you are endowed and prepared
to preach the Gospel to all nations, kindred, and tongues, in their own
languages, you must faithfully warn all, and bind up the testimony, and
seal up the law, and the
destroying angel will follow close at your heels, and exercise his tremendous
mission upon the children of disobedience; and destroy the workers of iniquity,
while the Saints will be gathered out from among them, and stand in holy
places ready to meet the Bridegroom when he comes.
I feel disposed to speak a few words more to you, my brethren, concerning
the
endowment. All who are prepared, and are sufficiently pure to abide the
presence of the Savior, will see Him in the solemn assembly.
ABRAHAM 1:1-2:18 WRITTEN
November 1835
Abraham 1
1
LYMAN SHERMAN
108
December 26, 1835 - Kirtland, Ohio
1876
HC 2:345
HC: Commenced again studying the Hebrew language, in company with Brothers Parrish and Williams.
In the meantime, Brother Lyman Sherman came in, and requested to have the word of the Lord
through me; "for," said he, "I have been wrought upon to make known to you my feelings and desires,
and was promised that I should have a revelation which should make known my duty."
1
1Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Lyman:
Your sins are forgiven you, because you have obeyed my voice in coming
up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.
2Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing,
and resist no more my voice.
3And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which
you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great
blessings.
4Wait patiently until the solemn assembly shall be called of my servants,
then you shall be remembered with the first of mine elders, and receive
right by ordination with the rest of mine elders whom I have
chosen.
5Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto you if you continue faithful.
6And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day that you shall have right
to preach my gospel
wheresoever I shall send you, from henceforth from that time.
7Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your
prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.
8And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever.Amen.
DYING WITHOUT THE GOSPEL
137
January 21, 1836 - Kirtland, Ohio
1981
HC 2:380-381
HC: At early candle-light I met with the Presidency at the west school room, in the Temple, to attend to
the ordinance of anointing our heads with holy oil; also the Councils of Kirtland and Zion met in the
two adjoining rooms, and waited in prayer while we attended to the ordinance. I took the oil in my left
hand, Father Smith being seated before me, and the remainder of the Presidency encircled him round
about. We then stretched our right hands towards heaven, and blessed the oil, and consecrated it in
the name of Jesus Christ.
We then laid our hands upon our aged Father Smith, and invoked the blessings of heaven. I then
anointed his head with the consecrated oil, and sealed many blessings upon him. The Presidency then
in turn laid their hands upon his head, beginning at the oldest, until they had all laid their hands upon
him, and pronounced such blessings upon his head, as the Lord put into their hearts, all blessing him to
be our Patriarch, to anoint our heads, and attend to all duties that pertain to that office.
The Presidency then took the seat in their turn, according to their age, beginning at the oldest, and
received their anointing and blessing under the hands of Father Smith. And in my turn, my father
anointed my head, and sealed upon me the blessings of Moses, to lead Israel in the latter days, even as
Moses led him in days of old; also the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All of the Presidency laid
their hands upon me, and pronounced upon my head many prophecies and blessings, many of which I
shall not notice at this time. But as Paul said, so say I, let us come to visions and revelations.
1
1The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of
God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.
2I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that
kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;
3also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the
Son.
4I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance
of being paved
with gold.
5I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother
Alvin, that has long since slept;
6and marveled how it was that he had obtained an
inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before
the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not
been baptized for the remission of sins.
7Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying:
All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received
it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial
kingdom of God;
8also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would
have received it
with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
9for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according
to the desire of their hearts.
10
And again I also beheld the terrestrial kingdomAnd
I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years
of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.
This was also in the original manuscript and in the History of the Church,
but was not included when the section was canonized in 1981.
I saw the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon the earth, who
hold the keys of this last ministry, in foreign lands, standing together
in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes tattered and feet swollen,
with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, and they
did not behold Him. The Savior looked upon them and wept. I also beheld
Elder McLellin in the south, standing upon a hill, surrounded by a vast
multitude, preaching to them, and a lame man standing before him supported
by his
crutches; he threw them down at his word and leaped as a hart, by the
mighty power of God. Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange
land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the
midst of about a dozen men of color, who appeared hostile. He was preaching
to them in their own tongue, and the angel of God standing above his head,
with a drawn Sword in his hand, protecting him, but he did not see it.
And I finally saw the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of God. I also beheld
the
redemption of Zion, and many things which the tongue of man cannot describe
in full.
Many of my brethren who received the ordinance with me saw glorious visions
also.
Angels ministered unto them as well as to myself, and the power of the
Highest rested
upon us, the house was filled with the glory of God, and we shouted Hosanna
to God and the Lamb. My scribe also received his anointing with us, and
saw, in a vision, the armies of heaven protecting the Saints in their return
to Zion, and many things which I saw. The Bishop of Kirtland with his Counselors,
and the Bishop of Zion with his Counselors, were present with us, and received
their anointings under the hands of Father Smith, and this
was confirmed by the Presidency, and the glories of heaven were unfolded
to them also.
We then invited the High Councilors of Kirtland and Zion into our room,
and President Hyrum Smith anointed the head of the President of the Councilors
in Kirtland, and
President David Whitmer the head of the President of the Councilors of
Zion. The President of each quorum then anointed the heads of his colleagues,
each in his turn, beginning at the oldest.
The visions of heaven were opened to them also. Some of them saw the face
of the Savior, and others were ministered unto by holy angels, and the
spirit of prophecy and revelation was poured out in mighty power; and loud
hosannas, and glory to God in the highest,
saluted the heavens, for we all communed with the heavenly host. And I
saw in my vision all of the Presidency in the celestial kingdom of God,
and many others that were present.
CONTINUATION OF VISIONS
January 28, 1836 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:386-387
1
In the evening met the quorum of High Priests, in the west room of the
upper loft of the Lord's house, and, in company with my counselors,
consecrated and anointed the
counselors of the presidents of the High Priests' quorum, and, having
instructed them and set the quorum in order, I left them to perform the
holy anointing, and went to the
quorum of Elders at the other end of the room. I assisted in anointing
the counselors of the president of the Elders, and gave the instruction
necessary for the occasion, and left the
president and his counselors to anoint the Elders while I should go to
the adjoining room, and attend to organizing and instructing the quorum
of the Seventy.
I found the Twelve Apostles assembled with this quorum, and I proceeded,
with the quorum of the Presidency, to instruct them, and also the seven
presidents of the Seventy Elders, to call upon God with up-lifted hands,
to seal the blessings which had been promised to them by the holy anointing.
As I organized this quorum, with the presidency in this room, President
Sylvester Smith saw a pillar of fire rest down and abide upon the heads
of the quorum, as we stood in the midst of the Twelve.
When the Twelve and the seven presidents were through with their sealing
prayer, I
called upon President Sidney Rigdon to seal them with uplifted hands;
and when he had done this, and cried Hosanna, that all the congregation
should join him, and shout Hosanna to God and the Lamb, and glory to God
in the highest. It was done so, and Elder Roger Orton saw a mighty angel
riding upon a horse of fire, with a flaming sword in his hand, followed
by five others, encircle the house, and protect the Saints, even the Lord's
anointed, from the power of Satan and a host of evil spirits, which were
striving to disturb the Saints.
President William Smith, one of the Twelve, saw the heavens opened, and
the Lord's host protecting the Lord's anointed.
President Zebedee Coltrin, one of the seven presidents of the Seventy,
saw the Savior extended before him, as upon the cross, and a little after,
crowned with glory upon his head above the brightness of the sun.
After these things were over, and a glorious vision which I saw had passed,
I instructed the seven presidents to proceed and anoint the Seventy, and
returned to the room of the High Priests and Elders, and attended to the
sealing of what they had done, with up-lifted hands.
After these quorums were dismissed, I retired to my home, filled with
the Spirit, and my soul cried Hosanna to God and the Lamb, through the
silent watches of the night; and
while my eyes were closed in sleep, the visions of the Lord were sweet
unto me, and His glory was round about me.Praise the Lord.
DEDICATION OF THE KIRTLAND HOUSE
109
March 27, 1836 - Kirtland, Ohio
1876
HC 2:420-426
Messenger and Advocate: Previous notice having been given, the Church of the Latter Day Saints met
this day in the House of the Lord to dedicate it to him. The congregation began to assemble before 8
o'clock A. M. and thronged the doors until 9, when the Presidents of the church who assisted in seating
the congregation, were reluctantly compelled to order the door-keepers to close the doors; every seat
and aisle were crowded. One thousand persons were now silently and solemnly waiting to hear the
word of the Lord from the mouth of his servants in the sacred desk. President Sidney Rigdon began the
services of the day, by reading the 96th
and 24th
Psalms...The speaker (S. Rigdon,) selected the 8th
chapter of Matthew, the 18, 19 and 20th
verses from which he proposed to address the congregation,
confining himself more closely to the 20th
verse. He spoke two hours and a half in his usual, forcible
and logical manner...President J. Smith Jr. then addressed the congregation in a manner calculated to
instruct the understanding, rather than please the ear. He then offered the dedication prayer, which
was as follows:
1
1Thanks be to thy name, O Lord God of Israel, who keepest covenant and
showest mercy unto thy servants who walk uprightly before thee, with all
their hearts-
2thou who hast commanded thy servants to build a house to thy name in this
place [Kirtland].
3And now thou beholdest, O Lord, that thy servants have done according
to thy commandment.
4And now we ask thee, Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son
of thy bosom, in whose name alone salvation can be administered to the
children of men, we ask thee, O Lord, to accept of this house, the workmanship
of the hands of us, thy servants, which thou didst command us to build.
5For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation;
and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house
to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself
to his people.
6And as thou hast said in a revelation, given to us, calling us thy friends,
saying:
D&C 88:118-120Call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you;
7and as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words
of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning
even by study and also by faith;
8organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house,
even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of
learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
9that your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that
your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations
may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High-
10And now, Holy Father, we ask thee to assist us, thy people, with thy grace,
in calling our solemn assembly,
That it may be done to thine honor and to thy divine acceptance;
11and in a manner that we may be found worthy, in thy sight, to secure a
fulfilment of the promises which thou hast made unto us, thy people, in
the revelations given unto us;
12That thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house,
which we now dedicate to thee,
That it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy,
And that thy holy presence may be continually in this house;
13And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house
may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast
sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.
14And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this
house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they
may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said;
15and that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost,
and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to
obtain every needful thing;
16and that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house
of faith, a house of glory and of God, even thy house;
17that all the
incomings of thy people, into this house, may be in the name of the Lord;
18that all their outgoings from this house may be in the name of the Lord;
19and that all their salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with holy
hands, uplifted to the Most High;
20and that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to
pollute it;
21and when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent
and return unto thee, and find
favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained
to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house.
22And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this
house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy
glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;
23and from this place they may bear
exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the
earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put
forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of
the prophets, concerning the last days.
24We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship,
and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations
and for eternity;
25that no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth
a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;
26that no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail
over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house;
27and if any people shall
rise against this people, that thine anger be kindled against them;
28and if they shall smite this people thou wilt smite them; thou wilt fight
for thy people as thou didst in the day of battle, that they may be delivered
from the hands of all their enemies.
29We ask thee, Holy Father, to confound, and astonish, and to bring to shame
and confusion, all those who have spread lying reports abroad, over the
world, against thy
servant or servants, if they will not repent, when the everlasting gospel
shall be proclaimed in their ears;
30and that all their works may be brought to naught, and be swept away by
the hail, and by the judgments which thou wilt send upon them in thine
anger, that there may be an end to lyings and slanders against thy people.
31For thou knowest, O Lord, that thy servants have been innocent before
thee in bearing record of thy name, for which they have suffered these
things.
32Therefore we plead before thee for a full and complete
deliverance from under this yoke;
33break it off, O Lord; break it off from the necks of thy servants, by
thy power, that we may rise up in the midst of this generation and do thy
work.
34O Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, and as all men sin, forgive the
transgressions of thy people, and let them be blotted out forever.
35Let the anointing of thy ministers be sealed upon them with power from
on high.
36Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on the day of Pentecost;
let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even
cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof.
37And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory.
38Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go
out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts
of thy saints for all
those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants
of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not
faint in the day of trouble.
39And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city
receive their testimony, let thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city;
that they may gather out of that city the righteous, that they may come
forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with
songs of everlasting joy;
40and until this be accomplished, let not thy judgments fall upon that city.
41And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the
people of that city receive not the testimony of thy servants, and thy
servants warn them to save themselves from this untoward generation, let
it be upon that city according to that which thou hast spoken by the mouths
of thy prophets.
42But deliver thou, O
Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy servants from their hands, and cleanse them
from their blood.
43O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls
are precious before thee;
44but thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace
assisting them, "Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours."
45We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy prophets terrible things
concerning the wicked, in the last days-that thou wilt pour out thy judgments,
without measure;
46therefore, O Lord,
deliver thy people from the calamity of the wicked; enable thy servants
to seal up the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared
against the day of burning.
47We ask thee, Holy Father, to remember those who have been driven by the
inhabitants of Jackson county, Missouri, from the lands of their inheritance,
and break off, O Lord, this yoke of affliction that has been put upon them.
48Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have been greatly oppressed and afflicted
by wicked men; and our hearts flow out with sorrow because of their grievous
burdens.
49O Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people to bear this affliction,
and the cries of their innocent ones to ascend up in thine ears, and their
blood come up in testimony before thee, and not make a display of thy testimony
in their behalf?
50Have mercy, O Lord, upon the wicked mob, who have driven thy people, that
they may cease to spoil, that they may repent of their sins if repentance
is to be found;
51but if they will not, make bare thine arm, O Lord, and redeem that which
thou didst appoint a Zion unto thy people.
52And if it cannot be otherwise, that the cause of thy people may not fail
before thee may thine anger be kindled, and thine indignation fall upon
them, that they may be wasted away, both root and branch, from under heaven;
53but inasmuch as they
will repent, thou art gracious and merciful, and wilt turn away thy wrath
when thou lookest upon the face of thine Anointed.
54Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon
the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and
nobly defended, namely, the
Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever.
55Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, and the great ones of the
earth, and all people, and the churches, all the poor, the needy, and afflicted
ones of the earth;
56that their hearts may be softened when thy servants shall go out from
thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name; that their prejudices
may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favor in the sight
of all;
57that all the ends of the earth may know that we, thy servants, have heard
thy voice, and that thou hast sent us;
58that from among all these, thy servants, the sons of Jacob, may gather
out the righteous to build a holy city to thy name, as thou hast commanded
them.
59We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other stakes besides this one which thou
hast appointed, that the gathering of thy people may roll on in great power
and majesty, that thy work may be cut short in righteousness.
60Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations
and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified with
the Gentiles.
61But thou knowest that thou hast a great love for the children of Jacob,
who have been scattered upon the mountains for a long time, in a cloudy
and dark day.
62We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem,
from this hour, may begin to be redeemed;
63and the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off from the
house of David;
64and the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou
didst give to Abraham, their father.
65And cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten
because of their transgression, be converted from their wild and savage
condition to the fulness of the everlasting gospel;
66that they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions.
67And may all the scattered remnants of Israel, who have been driven to
the ends of the earth, come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the
Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before thee.
68O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions
and
persecutions-how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O
Mighty God of Jacob-and the commandments which thou hast given unto him,
and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.
69Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be exalted
in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand.
70Have mercy upon all their immediate connections, that their prejudices
may be broken up and swept away as with a flood; that they may be converted
and redeemed with Israel, and know that thou art God.
71Remember, O Lord, the presidents, even all the presidents of thy church,
that thy right hand may exalt them, with all their families, and their
immediate connections, that their names may be perpetuated and had in everlasting
remembrance from generation to generation.
72Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their families, and all their
immediate connections, with all their sick and afflicted ones, with all
the poor and meek of the earth; that the kingdom, which thou hast set up
without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth;
73that thy church may come forth out of the wilderness of
darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible
as an army with banners;
74and be adorned as a bride for that day when thou shalt unveil the heavens,
and
cause the mountains to flow down at thy presence, and the valleys to be
exalted, the rough places made smooth; that thy glory may fill the earth;
75that when the trump shall sound for the dead, we shall be caught up in
the cloud to meet thee, that we may ever be with the Lord;
76that our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes
of
righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads,
and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings.
77O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our petitions, and answer us from
heaven, thy holy habitation, where thou sittest enthroned, with glory,
honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy,
and an infinity of fulness, from everlasting to everlasting.
78O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord! And answer these petitions, and accept
the dedication of this house unto thee, the work of our hands, which we
have built unto thy name;
79and also this church, to put upon it thy name. And help us by the power
of thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices with those bright, shining
seraphs around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing Hosanna
to God and the Lamb!
80And let these, thine anointed ones, be clothed with salvation, and thy
saints shout aloud for joy.Amen, and Amen.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE KIRTLAND HOUSE
110
April 3, 1836 - Kirtland, Ohio
1876
HC 2:435-436
HC: Joseph Smith attended meeting in the Lord's House, assisted the other Presidents of the Church in
seating the congregation and then became an attentive listener to the preaching from the stand... In
the PM he assisted the other Presidents in distributing the elements of the Lord's Supper to the
church, receiving them from the hands [of the] "Twelve" whose privilege it was to officiate in the
sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to his brethren, he retired to the pulpit, the
veils being dropped, and bowed himself with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn, but silent prayer to the Most
High. After rising from prayer the following vision was opened to both of them.
1
1The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were
opened.
2We
saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and
under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.
3His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like
the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and
his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice
of Jehovah, saying:
4I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain;
I am your advocate with the Father.
5Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore,
lift up your heads and rejoice.
6Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my
people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
7For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and
I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.
8Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak
unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments,
and do not pollute this holy house.
9Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice
in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment
with which my servants
have already been endowed and shall hereafter be endowed in this house
have been endowed in this house
.
10And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is
the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads
of my people.
Even so.Amen.
11After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses
appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of
Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes
from the land of the north.
12After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel
of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should
be blessed.
13After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst
upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting
death, stood before us, and said:
14Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi-
testifying that he
Added in 1853
[Elijah]
should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come-
15to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to
the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse-
16therefore, the keys of this
dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that
the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.
TREASURE IN SALEM
111
August 6, 1836 - Salem, Massachusetts
1876
HC 2:465-466
On July 25, 1836, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon left Kirtland, Ohio, to
travel to the eastern United States, briefly visiting New York City and Boston and staying in Salem,
Massachusetts, before returning to Kirtland in mid-September. They arrived in Salem on August 5 and
rented a house for three weeks.
1
1I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey,
notwithstanding your follies.
2I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and
many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit
of Zion, through your instrumentality.
3Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men
in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
4And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into
your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall
not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver
shall be yours.
5Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to
pay them.
6Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.
7Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about;
8and the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main,
shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that
shall flow unto you.
9This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the
more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;
10for there are more
treasures than one for you in this city.
11Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet
without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye
are able to receive them.Amen.
HIGH PRIESTHOOD CONFERRED ON ELDERS
April 6, 1837 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:476
On April 6, 1837 a solemn assembly was held in the House of the Lord in Kirtland. During this meeting
Joseph Smith corrected an error in calling presidents of the Seventy. D&C 107:97 requires that
presidents be chosen from among the Seventy, whereas several of the presidents had been chosen
from the Elders quorum. When that was done, those Elders had the High Priesthood conferred upon
them, in addition to being ordained and set apart to the office of President.
1
It was ascertained that all but one or two of the presidents of the Seventies
were High
Priests, and when they had ordained and set apart any from the quorums
of Elders into the quorum of Seventies, they had conferred upon them the
High Priesthood also. This was
declared to be wrong, and not according to the order of heaven. New Presidents
of the Seventies were accordingly ordained to fill the places of such of
them as were High
Priests, and the ex-officio presidents and such of the Seventies as had
been legally ordained to be High Priests were directed to unite with the
High Priests' quorum.
SPIRIT OF SPECULATION
Summer, 1837 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:487-488
Of the condition of affairs in Kirtland at this time Eliza Snow wrote: " A spirit of speculation had crept
into the hearts of some of the Twelve, and nearly, if not every quorum was more or less infected. Most
of the Saints were poor, and now prosperity was dawning upon them-the Temple was completed and
in it they had been recipients of marvelous blessings, and many who had been humble and faithful to
the performance of every duty-ready to go and come at every call of the Priesthood, were getting
haughty in their spirits, and lifted up in the pride of their hearts. As the Saints drank in the love and
spirit of the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts, and they were filled with pride
and hatred toward those who maintained their integrity."
HC: At this time the spirit of speculation in lands and property of all kinds, which was so prevalent
throughout the whole nation, was taking deep root in the church. As the fruits of this spirit, evil
surmisings, fault-finding, disunion, dissension, and apostasy followed in quick succession, and it
seemed as though all the powers of earth and hell were combining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow the church at once, and make a final end. Other banking institutions refused the
"Kirtland Safety Society's" notes. The enemy abroad, and apostates in our midst, united in their
schemes, flour and provisions were turned towards other markets, and many became disaffected
toward me as though I were the sole cause of those very evils I was most strenuously striving against,
and which were actually brought upon us by the brethren not giving heed to my counsel.
1
SOMETHING NEW: JUNE 1837 - JUNE 1844
SOMETHING NEW MUST BE DONE
June 4, 1837 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 2:489
Referring to the spirit of speculation and contention that was spreading through Kirtland, Joseph
wrote:
1
No quorum in the Church was entirely exempt from the influence of those
false spirits who are striving against me for the mastery; even some of
the Twelve were so far lost to their high and responsible calling, as to
begin to take sides, secretly, with the enemy. In
this state of things, and but a few weeks before the Twelve were expecting
to meet in full quorum (some of them having been absent for some time),
God revealed to me that something new must be done for the salvation of
His Church. And on or about the 1st
of June, 1837, Heber C. Kimball, one of the Twelve, was set apart by the
spirit of prophecy and revelation, prayer and laying on of hands, of the
First Presidency, to preside over a mission to England, to be the first
foreign mission of the Church of Christ in the last days.
AMONG ALL NATIONS
112
July 23, 1837 - Kirtland, Ohio
1844
HC 2:499-501
HC: The same day that the Gospel was first preached in England I received the following revelation
given at Kirtland, Ohio, July 23rd, 1837.
1
Thomas Marsh
1Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Thomas:
I have heard thy prayers; and thine alms have come up as a memorial before
me, in behalf of those, thy brethren, who were chosen to bear testimony
of my name and to send it abroad among all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people, and ordained through the
instrumentality of my servants.
2Verily I say unto you, there have been some few things in thine heart
and with thee with which I, the Lord, was not well pleased.
3Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt be exalted;
therefore, all thy sins are
forgiven thee.
4Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face; and thou shalt bear record
of my name, not only unto the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews; and thou
shalt send forth my word
unto the ends of the earth.
5Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning; and day after day let thy
warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants
of the earth slumber, because of thy speech.
6Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and
remove not thy house; for I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do,
in publishing my name among the children of men.
7Therefore, gird up thy loins for the work. Let thy feet be shod also,
for thou art chosen, and thy path lieth among the mountains, and among
many nations.
8And by thy word many high ones shall be brought low, and by thy word many
low ones shall be exalted.
9Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor; and at thy rebuke let
the tongue of the slanderer cease its perverseness.
10Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and
give thee answer to thy prayers.
11I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren.
Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be
for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto
all who love my name.
12And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Admonish them sharply for my
name's sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful
before me unto my name.
13And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord,
will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen
not their necks against me, they shall be
converted, and I will heal them.
The Twelve
14Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve:
Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed
my sheep.
15Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant Joseph; for verily
I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys
which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from
him till I come.
16Verily I say unto you, my servant Thomas, thou art the man whom I have
chosen to hold the keys of my kingdom, as pertaining to the Twelve, abroad
among all nations-
17that thou mayest be my servant to unlock the door of the kingdom in all
places where my servant Joseph, and my servant Sidney, and my servant Hyrum,
cannot come;
18for on them have I laid the burden of all the churches for a little season.
19Wherefore,
whithersoever they shall send you, go ye, and I will be with you; and
in whatsoever place ye shall proclaim my name an effectual door shall be
opened unto you, that they may
receive my word.
20Whosoever receiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me,
receiveth those, the First Presidency, whom I have sent, whom I have made
counselors for my name's sake unto you.
21And again, I say unto you, that whosoever ye shall send in my name, by
the voice of your brethren, the Twelve, duly recommended and authorized
by you, shall have power to open the door of my kingdom unto any nation
whithersoever ye shall send them-
22inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word,
and hearken to the voice of my Spirit.
23Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross
darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before
my face.
24Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a
day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning,
and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face
of the earth, saith the Lord.
25And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth,
saith the Lord;
26first among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know
my name and have not known me, and have
blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.
27Therefore, see to it that ye trouble not yourselves concerning the affairs
of my church in this place, saith the Lord.
28But purify your hearts before me; and then go ye into all the world, and
preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it;
29and he that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, and
is not baptized, shall be damned.
30For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed
with you to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood
given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation
of the fulness of times,
31which
power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation
at any time from the beginning of the creation;
32for verily I say unto you, the keys of the
dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers,
and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you.
33Verily I say unto you, behold how great is your calling. Cleanse your
hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be required
at your hands.
34Be faithful until I come, for I come quickly; and my reward is with me
to recompense every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and
Omega.Amen.
JOSEPH AND SIDNEY FLEE KIRTLAND
January 12, 1838 - Kirtland, Ohio
HC 3:1-3
HC A new year dawned upon the Church in Kirtland in all the bitterness of the spirit of apostate
mobocracy; which continued to rage and grow hotter and hotter, until Elder Rigdon and myself were
obliged to flee from its deadly influence, as did the Apostles and Prophets of old, and as Jesus said,
"when they persecute you in one city, flee to another." On the evening of the 12th of January, about
ten o'clock, we left Kirtland, on horseback, to escape mob violence, which was about to burst upon us
under the color of legal process to cover the hellish designs of our enemies, and to save themselves
from the just judgment of the law.
We continued our travels during the night, and at eight o'clock on the morning of the 13th, arrived
among the brethren in Norton Township, Medina county, Ohio, a distance of sixty miles from Kirtland.
Here we tarried about thirty-six hours, when our families arrived; and on the 16th we pursued our
journey with our families, in covered wagons towards the city of Far West, in Missouri. We passed
through Dayton and Eaton, in Ohio, and Dublin, Indiana; in the latter place we tarried nine days, and
refreshed ourselves.
Joseph arrived in Far West, Missouri, on March 14.
1
EXPLAINING ISAIAH
113
March 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:9-10
Sometime in March 1838, Joseph apparently answered a series of questions regarding the prophecies
in Isaiah chapters 11 and 52. The questions and answers were inscribed in Joseph's "Scriptory Book" by
George Robinson. No authorship was attributed, although some of the answers begin with "thus saith
the Lord." Joseph Smith's authorship is implied.
1
1Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th
verses of the 11th
chapter of Isaiah?
2Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.
3What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th
chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?
4Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who
is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph,
on whom there is laid much power.
5What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th
verse of the 11th
chapter?
6Behold, thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of
Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom,
for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days.
7Questions by Elias Higbee:
What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd
chapter, 1st
verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion-and what people had Isaiah reference to?
8He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should
hold the
power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel;
and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood,
which she, Zion, has a right to by
lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost.
9What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2nd
verse?
10We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return
to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise
of the Lord is that he will
speak to them, or give them revelation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th
verses. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants
of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles.
DAVID PATTEN
114
April 11, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:23
In early 1838, Thomas Marsh and David Patten arrived in Far West, released the presidency, and
installed themselves along with Brigham Young as the new presidency of Zion. One week after being
sustained as the new presidency, they proceeded to excommunicate Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer,
John Whitmer, William Phelps, and others. As members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Marsh,
Patten, and Young were expected to travel, proselytize, and supervise the church conferences and
branches outside of Zion and its stakes-that is, outside of the main church congregation in Missouri
and any other places designated for gathering. After arriving in Far West, Joseph dictated this
revelation to David Patten.
1
1Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten,
that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make
a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me
next spring, in company with others, even twelve
including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all
the world.
2For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among
you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive
their bishopric.Amen.
HOUSE UNTO THE LORD IN FAR WEST
115
April 26, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:23-25
In early 1837, about a year before Joseph's arrival, Zion presidency members William W. Phelps and
John Whitmer drew up a plan for a house unto the Lord and appointed a committee to oversee
construction. In April 1837, the high council questioned the Zion presidency's authority to appoint such
a committee and even to select the site for the city. When Joseph and Sidney Rigdon visited Far West
in November, they participated in a council meeting in which the members resolved to suspend any
construction work "till the Lord shall reveal it to be his will to be commenced."
After Joseph moved Far West in March 1838, he and the high council turned their attention to
developing Far West as the church's gathering center. By this time, thousands of Saints were living in
Far West and its vicinity and hundreds more were expected from Kirtland within the next few months.
HC: Revelation given in Far West, April 26th, 1838, making known the will of God, concerning the
building up of this place and of the Lord's house.
1
1Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and
also my servant Sidney Rigdon, and also my servant Hyrum Smith, and your
counselors who are and shall be appointed hereafter;
2and also unto you, my servant Edward Partridge, and his
counselors;
3and also unto my faithful servants who are of the high council of my church
in Zion, for thus it shall be called, and unto all the elders and people
of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in
all the world;
4for thus shall my
church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
5Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be
a standard for the nations;
6and that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes,
may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when
it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
7Let the city, Far West, be a holy and
consecrated land unto me; and it shall be called most holy, for the ground
upon which thou standest is holy.
8Therefore, I command you to build a house unto me, for the gathering together
of my saints, that they may worship me.
9And let there be a beginning of this work, and a
foundation, and a preparatory work, this following summer;
10and let the beginning be made on the fourth day of July next; and from
that time forth let my people labor
diligently to build a house unto my name;
11and in one year from this day let them re- commence laying the foundation
of my house.
12Thus let them from that time forth labor diligently until it shall be
finished, from the cornerstone thereof unto the top thereof, until there
shall not anything remain that is not finished.
13Verily I say unto you, let not my servant Joseph, neither my servant Sidney,
neither my servant Hyrum, get in debt any more for the building of a house
unto my name;
14but let a house be built unto my name according to the pattern which I
will show unto them.
15And if my people build it not according to the pattern which I shall show
unto their presidency, I will not accept it at their hands.
16But if my people do build it according to the pattern which I shall show
unto their presidency, even my servant Joseph and his counselors, then
I will accept it at the hands of my people.
17And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will that the city of Far West
should be built up speedily by the gathering of my saints;
18and also that other places should be appointed for stakes in the regions
round about, as they shall be manifested unto my servant Joseph, from time
to time.
19For behold, I will be with him, and I will sanctify him before the people;
for unto him have I given the keys of this kingdom and ministry. Even so.Amen.
ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN
116
May 19, 1838 - Spring Hill, Missouri
1876
HC 3:35
This was extracted from an entry in Joseph Smith's journal.
1
1Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it
is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient
of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.
COME UP TO ZION
117
July 8, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:45-46
Following Joseph's departure from Kirtland in January 1838, Williams Marks was designated to preside
over the church there and to act as a financial agent for Joseph and Sidney Rigdon in arranging
payment of their debts. Newel Whitney was the bishop in Kirtland, overseeing the temporal operations
of the church there. It was apparently expected that Marks and Whitney would quickly settle the
church's affairs and then move to Missouri in accordance with the January 12, 1838 revelation
directing faithful Saints to relocate there. Yet, neither Whitney nor Marks departed Kirtland with the
large group of Saints that left Kirtland on July 6.
HC: I received the following revelation given to William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, Oliver Granger and
others, at Far West, July 8, 1838.
1
1Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant William Marks, and also unto
my servant Newel K. Whitney:
Let them settle up their business speedily and journey from the land of
Kirtland, before I, the Lord, send again the snows upon the earth.
2Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and not tarry, for I, the Lord,
command it.
3Therefore, if they tarry it shall not be well with them.
4Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires,
before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.
5Let the properties of
Kirtland be turned out for debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the
Lord, and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands, saith the
Lord.
6For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and
the beasts of the
mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all
the armies of the nations of the earth?
7Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and
to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord.
8Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the
plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam
dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the
more weighty matters?
9Therefore, come up hither unto the land of my people, even Zion.
10Let my servant William Marks be faithful over a few things, and he shall
be a ruler over many. Let him preside in the midst of my people in the
city of Far West, and let him be blessed with the blessings of my people.
11Let my servant Newel K. Whitney be ashamed of the Nicolaitane band and
of all their secret abominations, and of all his littleness of soul before
me, saith the Lord, and come up to the land of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and be
a bishop unto my people, saith the Lord, not in name but in deed, saith
the Lord.
12And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold,
verily I say
unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation
to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
13Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency
of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for
his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the
Lord.
14Therefore, let him come up hither speedily, unto the land of Zion; and
in the due time he shall be made a merchant unto my name, saith the Lord,
for the benefit of my people.
15Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings
of my people be on him forever and ever.
16And again, verily I say unto you, let all my servants in the land of Kirtland
remember the Lord their God, and mine house also, to keep and preserve
it holy, and to overthrow the moneychangers in mine own due time, saith
the Lord. Even so.Amen.
MISSION OF THE TWELVE
118
July 8, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:46-47
Apostles Luke Johnson and John Boynton renounced the church in December 1837 and were
excommunicated by the high council. Lyman Johnson was excommunicated for various transgressions
on April 13, 1838. William McLellin was "found in transgression" in a church trial held May 11.
HC: Revelation given at Far West, July 8, 1838, in answer to the question, "Show unto us thy will O Lord
concerning the Twelve."
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord, let a conference be held immediately; let
the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of
those who are fallen.
2Let my servant Thomas remain for a season in the land of Zion, to publish
my word.
3Let the
residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in
all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I,
the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families;
and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from
henceforth.
4And next spring let them depart to go over the great waters, and there
promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name.
5Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-sixth
day of April next, on the building-spot of my house, saith the Lord.
6Let my servant John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and also
my servant
Wilford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be appointed to
fill the places of those who have fallen, and be officially notified of
their appointment.
TITHING
119
July 8, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1844
HC 3:44
D&C 42 directed the church to consecrate their property to the bishop and then manage stewardships
assigned to them. Church members attempted to follow this program of consecration and stewardship
in Jackson County, Missouri, but their attempts ended when they were driven out of the county in
1833. In September 1837, Bishop Newel Whitney and his counselors in Kirtland called on members
everywhere to "bring their tithes into the store house" to relieve church debts and to help establish
the community of Saints in Missouri.
HC: I inquired of the Lord, "O Lord! Show unto thy servant how much thou requirest of the properties
of thy people for a tithing," and received the following answer, which was also read in public:
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be
put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,
2for the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of
Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my
Church.
3And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
4And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of
all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them
forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
5Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather
unto the
land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe
this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.
6And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy,
and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and
my judgments may be kept
thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall
not be a land of Zion unto you.
7And this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so.Amen.
DISPOSITION OF TITHES
120
July 8, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
1876
HC 3:44
In 1837 William W. Phelps and John Whitmer, counselors in the Zion presidency, began making
significant financial decisions without the input of the high council or the bishopric. High council
members in particular resented the exclusion, and council members compelled Phelps and Whitmer to
include the council and bishopric in future financial decisions.
HC: Also I received the following revelation, given July 8, 1838, making known the disposition of the
properties tithed as named in the preceding revelation.
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed
of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of
the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice
unto them, saith the Lord. Even so.Amen.
1838 HISTORY WRITTEN
Circa 1838
1838 Account
1
VIOLENCE IN MISSOURI
June-October, 1838 - Missouri
On June 17, Sidney Rigdon delivered what came to be known as the Salt Sermon. Without naming
individuals, he denounced dissenters as salt that had lost its savor and that they must now be trodden under foot.
On July 4, Sidney Rigdon delivered a sermon in which he vowed violence on their enemies. "We take
God and all the holy angels to witness this day, that we warn all men in the name of Jesus Christ, to
come on us no more forever. For from this hour, we will bear it no more, our rights shall no more be
trampled on with impunity. The man or the set of men, who attempts it, does it at the expense of their
lives. And that mob that comes on us to disturb us; it shall be between us and them a war of
extermination; for we will follow them till the last drop of their blood is spilled, or else they will have to
exterminate us: for we will carry the seat of war to their own houses, and their own families, and one
party or the other shall be utterly destroyed."
On August 6, around 200 Missourians gathered in Gallatin to prevent Mormons from voting in that
day's election. A short skirmish ensued, but concluded without any loss of life.
On September 20, about 150 armed men rode into DeWitt and demanded that all Mormons leave the
county within ten days. On October 1, the Missourians cut off DeWitt from outside supplies. On
October 11, the Mormons agreed to move to Caldwell County.
In mid-October, Mormon militias retaliated by plundering houses and stores, burning buildings, and
driving non-member women and children into the snowy night. John Corrill wrote, "the love of pillage
grew upon them very fast, for they plundered every kind of property they could get a hold of."
On October 19, the day after Gallatin was burned, Thomas Marsh and Orson Hyde left the association
of the Church. On October 24, they swore out affidavits concerning the burning and looting in Daviess
County. They also reported the existence of the Danite group among the Mormons.
On October 25, Mormon and state militias fought the Battle of Crooked River. The Mormons won the
battle, but David Patten died from his wounds.
Exaggerated reports of the battle combined with the n of Mormons burning and pillaging towns
reached Governor Boggs. He mustered 2,500 troops to put down the violence. Perhaps referencing
Rigdon's July 4th sermon that talked of "a war of extermination," Boggs issued Missouri Executive
Order 44, known as the Extermination Order, on October 27, which stated that "the Mormons must be
treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public
peace."
On October 30, 250 armed men approached Haun's Mill, where 30 to 40 Latter Day Saint families were
living. In the ensuing battle, 17 Latter Day Saints were killed. When survivors reached Far West, the
reports of the attack played a significant part in the decision of the Mormons to surrender.
1
SURRENDER AT FAR WEST
November 1, 1838 - Far West, Missouri
HC 3:190-199
In response to the violence over the summer and the extermination order, the Missouri state militia
surrounded and laid siege to Far West. The terms for surrender were: the Latter-day Saints were to
give up their leaders for trial and to surrender all of their arms; every Mormon who had taken up arms
was to sell his property to pay for the damages ; and the Mormons who had taken up arms were to
leave the state.
Joseph Smith and other leaders were arrested and eventually taken to jail in Liberty, Missouri, to await
trial.
1
JOSEPH'S LAMENT
121
March 20, 1839 - Liberty, Missouri
1876
HC 3:289-300
While imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Joseph wrote a lengthy letter to the Church. Extracts from that letter
were later canonized as Section 121, 122, and 123.
1
1O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding
place?
2How
long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold
from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants,
and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful
oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy
bowels be moved with compassion toward them?
4O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things
that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the
dark and benighted dominion of Sheol-stretch forth thy hand; let thine
eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy
hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine
heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.
5Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine
heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.
6Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice
in thy name forever.
THE LORD'S REPLY
7My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions
shall be but a small moment;
8and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt
triumph over all thy foes.
9Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again
with warm hearts and friendly hands.
10Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither
charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.
11And they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted,
and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the
burning rays of the rising sun;
12and also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons,
and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings;
that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;
13also because their hearts are
corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others,
and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;
14that they may be
disappointed also, and their hopes may be cut off;
15and not many years hence, that they and their posterity shall be swept
from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by
the wall.
16Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed,
saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before
me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and
which I commanded them.
17But those who cry
transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the
children of disobedience themselves.
18And those who swear falsely against my servants, that they might bring
them into bondage and death-
19wo unto them; because they have offended my little ones they shall be
severed from the ordinances of mine house.
20Their basket shall not be full, their houses and their barns shall perish,
and they themselves shall be despised by those that
flattered them.
21They shall not have right to the priesthood, nor their posterity after
them from generation to generation.
22It had been better for them that a millstone had been hanged about their
necks, and they drowned in the depth of the sea.
23Wo unto all those that discomfort my people, and drive, and murder, and
testify against them, says the Lord of Hosts; a generation of vipers shall
not escape the damnation of hell.
24Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works, and I have in reserve
a swift judgment in the season thereof, for them all;
25for there is a time appointed for every man, according as his works shall
be.
A time when all shall be revealed
26God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable
gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was
until now;
27which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed
in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as
held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;
28a time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be
one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed
and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
30And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to
the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars-
31all the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and
years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their
glories,
laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation
of the fulness of times-
32according to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the
Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved
unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into
his eternal presence and into his immortal rest.
33How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens?
As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in
its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty
from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day
Saints.
Priesthood dominion
34Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not
chosen?
35Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and
aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson-
36That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers
of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled
only upon the principles of righteousness.
37That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake
to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise
control or dominion or
compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness,
behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved;
and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that
man.
38Behold, ere he is
aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute
the saints, and to fight against God.
39We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition
of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose,
they will immediately begin to
exercise unrighteous dominion.
40Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
41No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only
by persuasion,
by long-suffering,
by gentleness and meekness, and
by love unfeigned;
42by kindness,
and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy,
and without guile-
43Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and
then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou
hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44that he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household
of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy
confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood
shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an
unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall
be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow
unto thee forever and ever.
THE LORD'S COMFORT
122
March 20, 1839 - Liberty, Missouri
1876
HC 3:300-301
1
1The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name, and fools shall have
thee in derision, and hell shall rage against thee;
2while the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous,
shall seek counsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under
thy hand.
3And thy people shall never be turned against thee by the testimony of
traitors.
4And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars
and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy
voice shall be more terrible in the midst
of thine enemies than the fierce lion, because of thy righteousness; and
thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever.
5If thou art called to pass through tribulation;
If thou art in perils among false brethren;
If thou art in perils among robbers;
If thou art in perils by land or by sea;
6If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations;
If thine enemies fall upon thee;
If they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren
and sisters;
And if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy
wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years
of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, "My father, my father,
why can't you stay with us? O, my
father, what are the men going to do with you?"
And if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged
to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood
of the lamb;
7And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers,
and the sentence of death passed upon thee;
If thou be cast into the deep;
If the billowing surge conspire against thee;
If fierce winds become thine enemy;
If the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge
up the way;
And above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide
after thee,
Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and
shall be for thy good.
8The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee;
for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy
years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do,
for God shall be with you forever and ever.
JOSEPH'S DIRECTIONS TO THE CHURCH
123
March 20, 1839 - Liberty, Missouri
1876
HC 3:302-303
1
1And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all
the saints
gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put
upon them by the people of this State;
2and also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained,
both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;
3and also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions,
as far as they can get hold of them and find them out.
4And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and
to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications
that are afloat;
5and all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the
libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and
present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and
murderous impositions that have been practiced
upon this people-
6that we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the
heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort
which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and
completely claim that promise
which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole
nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of
his mighty arm.
7It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall
be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children,
who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the
most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged
on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted
the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of
the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing
stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption,
and the whole earth groans under the
weight of its iniquity.
8It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs,
and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell.
9Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives
and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers
have been murdered under its iron hand;
10which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder,
and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble
and palsy.
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11And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation,
and to all the pure in heart-
12for there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and
denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby
they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because
they know not where to find it.
13Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to
light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they
are truly manifest from heaven-
14these should then be attended to with great earnestness.
15Let no man count them as
small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to
the saints, which depends upon these things.
16You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a
very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the
wind and the waves.
17Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that
lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance,
to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
JOSEPH ESCAPES CUSTODY
April 15, 1839 - Missouri
On April 15, 1839, while traveling to Boone County for trial, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight,
Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin were allowed to escape after the sheriff and three of their guards
drank whiskey while the fourth guard helped them saddle their horses for the escape. They arrived in
Quincy, Illinois, on April 22.
1
JOSEPH SETTLES IN NAUVOO
May 10, 1839 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 3:349
Commerce, Illinois was selected to be the new gathering place for the church, which had been
sheltering in Quincy and surrounding areas. Within a year, Joseph had changed the name of Commerce
to Nauvoo.
1
CONSECRATION
March 6, 1840 - Montrose, Iowa
HC 4:93
Joseph Smith met with the Iowa high council in Montrose, Iowa Territory, to discuss several items of
business, including the high council's desire to have the Saints in Iowa Territory live the law of
consecration so that their poor would be cared for. The high council voted to implement the law in
Montrose at a meeting held on 6 December 1839. A little over a week later, First Presidency member
Hyrum Smith declared that it was "not expedient to go into the law of consecration under Existing
circumstances", but the high council refused to rescind its resolution.
HC: President Joseph Smith, Jr., addressed the council on various subjects, and in particular the
consecration law.
1
He said that the law of consecration could not be kept here, and that
it was the will of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it,
and if persisted in it would produce a perfect abortion, and that he assumed
the whole responsibility of not keeping it until proposed by himself.
PROPHECY OF A TOWER
July 19, 1840 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
This is extracted from notes of a discourse Joseph delivered, as reported by Martha Jane Knowlton
Coray.
1
Read a chapter in Ezekiel, concluding with this saying,
Ezekiel 33:33"and when all
these things come to pass and Lo they will come, then shall you know that
a Prophet hath been among you."
D&C 101:43-62
Afterwards read the parable of the twelve olive trees and said, speaking
of the Land of Zion, it consists of all North and South America, but that
any place where the Saints gather is Zion, which every righteous man will
build up for a place of safety for his
children. The olive trees are twelve stakes which are yet to be built,
not the Temple in Jackson as some suppose. For while the twelve stakes
are being built we will be at peace but the nations of the Earth will be
at war...
The redemption of Zion is the redemption of all North and South America
and those 12 stake must be built up before the redemption of Zion can take
place. And those who
refuse to gather and build when they are commanded to do so cease to be
saviors of men, and are thenceforth good for nothing but shall be cast
out and trodden under feet of men...
We shall build the Zion of the Lord in peace until the servants of that
Lord shall begin to lay the foundation of a great and high watch tower
and then shall they begin to say within themselves, "What need hath my
Lord of this tower seeing this is a time of peace? Etc."
Then the enemy shall come as a thief in the night and scatter the servants
abroad. They will wake up the nations of the whole earth. Even this nation
will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground.
And when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be
the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution
away from the very verge of destruction.
Then shall the Lord say:
Go tell all my servants who are the strength of mine house, my young men
and middle aged, etc., "Come to the land of my vineyard and fight the battle
of the Lord." Then the kings and queens shall come, then the rulers of the earth
shall come, then shall all saints come. Yea, the foreign saints shall come to fight
for the land of my vineyard. For in this thing shall be their safety, and
they will have no power to choose, but will come as a man fleeth from a
sudden destruction.
But before this the time shall be, these who are now my friends shall
become my enemies and shall seek to take my life. And there are those now
before me who will more furiously pursue me, more diligently seek my life,
and be more blood thirsty upon my track than
ever were the Missouri Mobbers...
And I prophecy in the name of the Lord that the state of Illinois shall
become a great and mighty mountain, as a city set upon a hill that cannot
be hid, and a great candle that
giveth light to the world. And the city of Nauvoo also shall become the
greatest city in the whole world.
JEWS TO GATHER IN AMERICA
December 15, 1840 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:231-232
This is extracted from a letter Joseph wrote to the Apostles in England.
1
We had a letter from Elder Hyde, a few days ago, who is in New Jersey,
and is expecting to leave for England as soon as Elder Page reaches him.
He requested to know if converted Jews are to go to Jerusalem or to come
to Zion. I therefore wish you to inform him that converted Jews must come
here.
COMMAND TO BUILD A HOUSE
124
January 19, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1844
HC 4:274-286
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well
pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for
unto this end have I
raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things
of the earth.
Proclamation to all the nations of the world
2Your prayers are acceptable before me; and in answer to them I say unto
you, that you
are now called immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel,
and of this stake which I have planted to be a cornerstone of Zion, which
shall be polished with the
refinement which is after the similitude of a palace.
3This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to the
four corners thereof, to the honorable president-elect, and the high-minded
governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations of the
earth scattered abroad.
4Let it be written in the spirit of meekness and by the power of the Holy
Ghost, which shall be in you at the time of the writing of the same;
5for it shall be given you by the Holy Ghost to know my will concerning
those kings and authorities,
even what shall befall them in a time to come.
6For, behold, I am about to call upon them to give heed to the light and
glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her.
7Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with your testimony,
fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their glory as the flower
thereof which soon falleth, that they may be left also without excuse-
8and that I may visit them in the day of
visitation, when I shall unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the
portion of the oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth,
if they reject my servants
and my testimony which I have revealed unto them.
9And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them for your
good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may come to the light
of truth, and the Gentiles to the exaltation or lifting up of Zion.
10For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye think
not of; and
where shall be the safety of my people, and refuge for those who shall
be left of them?
11Awake, O kings of the earth! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold and your
silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughters of Zion.
12And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Robert B. Thompson help
you to write this proclamation, for I am well pleased with him, and that
he should be with you;
13let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel, and I will bless him with
a multiplicity of
blessings; let him be faithful and true in all things from henceforth,
and he shall be great in mine eyes;
14but let him remember that his stewardship will I require at his hands.
Individual instructions
15And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for
I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because
he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.
16Again, let my servant John C. Bennett help you in your labor in sending
my word to the kings and people of the earth, and stand by you, even you
my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction; and his reward shall
not fail if he receive counsel.
17And for his love he shall be great, for he shall be mine if he do this,
saith the Lord. I have seen the work which he hath done, which I accept
if he continue, and will crown him with blessings and great glory.
18And again, I say unto you that it is my will that my servant Lyman Wight
should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing
me before the world; and I will bear him up as on eagles' wings; and he
shall beget glory and honor to himself and unto my name.
19That when he shall finish his work I may receive him unto myself, even
as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time, and also
my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged servant Joseph Smith, Sen.,
who sitteth with
Abraham at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine.
20And again, verily I say unto you, my servant George Miller is without
guile; he may be trusted because of the integrity of his heart; and for
the love which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, love him.
21I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a bishopric,
like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations
of mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the heads of the poor
of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George, for
he shall honor me.
22Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John Snider,
and others, build a house unto my name, such a one as my servant Joseph
shall show unto them, upon the place which he shall show unto them also.
23And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house that strangers may come
from afar to lodge therein; therefore let it be a good house, worthy of
all acceptation, that the weary traveler may find health and safety while
he shall contemplate the word of the Lord; and the cornerstone I have appointed
for Zion.
24This house shall be a healthful habitation if it be built unto my name,
and if the governor
which shall be appointed unto it shall not suffer any pollution to come
upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your God will not dwell therein.
Command to build a house to the Lord
25And again, verily I say unto you, let all my saints come from afar.
26And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say unto them:
Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your precious stones,
and with all your antiquities; and with all who have knowledge of antiquities,
that will come, may come, and bring the box tree, and the fir tree, and
the pine tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth;
27and with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with
zinc, and with all your precious things of the earth; and build a house
to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein.
28For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore
again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the
fulness of the priesthood.
29For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints,
may be baptized for those who are dead-
30for this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to
me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build
a house unto me.
Sufficient time is granted
31But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant
unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time
your baptisms shall be
acceptable unto me.
32But behold, at the end of this appointment your baptisms for your dead
shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the
end of the appointment ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead,
saith the Lord your God.
33For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time to
build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongeth,
and for which the same was
instituted from before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for
your dead cannot be acceptable unto me;
34for therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may
receive honor and glory.
35And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those
who are scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord.
36For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem,
those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for
your baptisms for your dead.
37And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be acceptable
unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have built to my name?
38For, for this cause I commanded Moses that he should build a tabernacle,
that they should bear it with them in the wilderness, and to build a house
in the land of promise, that those ordinances might be revealed which had
been hid from before the world was.
39Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and your washings,
and your baptisms for the dead, and your
solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons
of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive
conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the
revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment
of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house,
which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name.
40And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that
I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people;
41for I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from
before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the
dispensation of the fulness of times.
42And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house,
and the priesthood thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built.
43And ye shall build it on the place where you have contemplated building
it, for
that is the spot which I have chosen for you to build it.
44If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall
be made holy.
Blessings and cursings
45And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my
servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say
unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.
46But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these
men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute
mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy
words which I give unto them.
47And it shall come to pass that if you build a house unto my name, and
do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make
unto you, neither fulfil the promises which ye expect at my hands, saith
the Lord.
48For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring
cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your
follies, and by all your abominations, which you practice before me, saith
the Lord.
49Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any
of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go
with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease
not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from
performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to
require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept
of their
offerings.
50And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I
will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third
and fourth
generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.
51Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom
I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson county,
Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God.
52And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing, and anguish,
and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the third and fourth generation,
so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God.
53And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation concerning all
those who have been commanded to do a work and have been hindered by the
hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith the Lord your God.
54For I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who
have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith
the Lord.
55And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a house
to my name,
even in this place, that you may prove yourselves unto me that ye are
faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you,
and crown you with honor,
immortality, and eternal life.
The Nauvoo House
56And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I have
commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it be built unto
my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my servant Joseph and
his house have place therein, from generation to generation.
57For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing shall also
be put upon the head of his posterity after him.
58And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth, even
so I say unto my servant Joseph: In thee and in thy seed shall the kindred
of the earth be blessed.
59Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place in
that house, from generation to generation, forever and ever, says the Lord.
60And let the name of that house be called Nauvoo House; and let it be a
delightful habitation for man, and a resting-place for the weary traveler,
that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this,
the cornerstone thereof;
61that he may receive also the counsel from those whom I have set to be
as plants of renown, and as watchmen upon her walls.
62Behold, verily I say unto you, let my servant George Miller, and my servant
Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws, organize
themselves, and appoint one of them to be a president over their quorum
for the purpose of building that house.
63And they shall form a constitution, whereby they may receive stock for
the
building of that house.
64And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars for a share of stock
in that house, and they shall be permitted to receive fifteen thousand
dollars from any one man for stock in that house.
65But they shall not be permitted to receive over
fifteen thousand dollars stock from any one man.
66And they shall not be permitted to
receive under fifty dollars for a share of stock from any one man in that
house.
67And they shall not be permitted to receive any man, as a stockholder in
this house, except the same shall pay his stock into their hands at the
time he receives stock;
68and in proportion to the amount of stock he pays into their hands he shall
receive stock in that house; but if he pays nothing into their hands he
shall not receive any stock in that house.
69And if any pay stock into their hands it shall be for stock in that house,
for himself, and for his generation after him, from generation to generation,
so long as he and his heirs shall hold that stock, and do not sell or convey
the stock away out of their hands by their own free will and act, if you
will do my will, saith the Lord your God.
70And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant George Miller, and my
servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws,
receive any stock into their hands, in moneys, or in properties wherein
they receive the real value of moneys, they shall not appropriate any portion
of that stock to any other purpose, only in that house.
71And if they do appropriate any portion of that stock anywhere else, only
in that house, without the consent of the stockholder, and do not repay
four-fold for the stock
which they appropriate anywhere else, only in that house, they shall be
accursed, and shall be moved out of their place, saith the Lord God; for
I, the Lord, am God, and cannot be mocked in any of these things.
72Verily I say unto you, let my servant Joseph pay stock into their hands
for the building of that house, as seemeth him good; but my servant Joseph
cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in that house, nor under
fifty dollars; neither can any other man, saith the Lord.
Lord's will concerning others
73And there are others also who wish to know my will concerning them, for
they have asked it at my hands.
74Therefore, I say unto you concerning my servant Vinson Knight, if he will
do my will let him put stock into that house for himself, and for his generation
after him, from
generation to generation.
75And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in the midst of the people,
to plead the cause of the poor and the needy; and let him not fail, neither
let his heart faint; and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall
not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be mine, saith the
Lord.
76Let his family rejoice and turn away their hearts from affliction; for
I have chosen him and anointed him, and he shall be honored in the midst
of his house, for I will forgive all his sins, saith the Lord.Amen.
77Verily I say unto you, let my servant Hyrum put stock into that house
as seemeth him good, for himself and his generation after him, from generation
to generation.
78Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into that house; for I, the Lord,
love him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his sins; therefore,
let him be remembered for an
interest in that house from generation to generation.
79Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed among you, and be ordained by
my servant William Marks, and be blessed of him, to go with my servant
Hyrum to accomplish the work that my servant Joseph shall point out to
them, and they shall be greatly blessed.
80Let my servant William Marks pay stock into that house, as seemeth him
good, for himself and his generation, from generation to generation.
81Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock into that house, as seemeth
him good, for himself and his seed after him, from generation to generation.
82Let my servant William Law pay stock into that house, for himself and
his seed after him, from generation to generation.
83If he will do my will let him not take his family unto the eastern lands,
even unto Kirtland; nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build up
Kirtland, but I, the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants
thereof.
84And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which I
am not
pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel
which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he
setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people.
85Let no man go from this place who has come here essaying to keep my commandments.
86If they live here let them live unto me; and if they die let them die
unto me; for they shall rest from all their labors here, and shall continue
their works.
William Law
87Therefore, let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to fear
concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. If ye love
me, keep my commandments; and the sickness of the land shall redound to
your glory.
88Let my servant William go and
proclaim my everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and with great joy,
as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw,
and also unto the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants
of Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of
Madison, and await patiently and diligently for further instructions at
my general
conference, saith the Lord.
89If he will do my will let him from henceforth hearken to the counsel of
my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the cause of the poor,
and publish the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabitants of
the earth.
90And if he will do this I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings,
that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread.
91And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William be appointed,
ordained, and anointed, as counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room
of my servant Hyrum, that my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood
and Patriarch, which was appointed
unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right;
92that from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings
upon the heads of all my people,
93that whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall
be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven.
94And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he may be a prophet,
and a seer, and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph;
95that he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph; and that he shall
receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys
whereby he may ask and receive, and be
crowned with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and priesthood,
and gifts of the
priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery;
96that my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which I shall show
unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance from generation
to generation, forever and ever.
97Let my servant William Law also receive the keys by which he may ask and
receive
blessings; let him be humble before me, and be without guile, and he shall
receive of my Spirit, even the Comforter, which shall manifest unto him
the truth of all things, and shall give him, in the very hour, what he
shall say.
98And these signs shall follow him-he shall heal the sick, he shall cast
out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would
administer unto him deadly poison;
99and he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold
upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination of his
thoughts as upon eagles' wings.
100And what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not withhold
his voice.
101Therefore, let my servant William cry aloud and spare not, with joy and
rejoicing, and with hosannas to him that sitteth upon the throne forever
and ever, saith the Lord your God.
102Behold, I say unto you, I have a mission in store for my servant William,
and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone; and let my servant Joseph tarry
at home, for he is needed. The remainder I will show unto you hereafter.
Even so.Amen.
Individual instructions
103And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve me and
be counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him arise and come up and stand
in the office of his calling,
and humble himself before me.
104And if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering, and acknowledgments,
and remain with my people, behold, I, the Lord your God, will heal him
that he shall be healed; and he shall lift up his voice again on the mountains,
and be a spokesman before my face.
105Let him come and locate his family in the neighborhood in which my servant
Joseph resides.
106And in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the sound
of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to
come.
107Let him assist my servant Joseph, and also let my servant William Law
assist my servant Joseph, in making a solemn proclamation unto the kings
of the earth, even as I have before said unto you.
108If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not remove his family unto
the eastern lands, but let him change their habitation, even as I have
said.
109Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety and refuge
out of the city
which I have appointed unto you, even the city of Nauvoo.
110Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will hearken unto my voice, it
shall be well with him. Even so.Amen.
111And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Amos Davies pay stock
into the hands of those whom I have appointed to build a house for boarding,
even the Nauvoo House.
112This let him do if he will have an interest; and let him hearken unto
the counsel of my servant Joseph, and labor with his own hands that he
may obtain the confidence of men.
113And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted
unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many;
114let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even so.Amen.
115And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Robert D. Foster will
obey my voice, let him build a house for my servant Joseph, according to
the contract which he has made
with him, as the door shall be open to him from time to time.
116And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe himself with charity;
and cease to do evil, and lay aside all his hard speeches;
117and pay stock also into the hands of the quorum of the Nauvoo House, for
himself and for his generation after him, from generation to generation;
118and hearken
unto the counsel of my servants Joseph, and Hyrum, and William Law, and
unto the authorities which I have called to lay the foundation of Zion;
and it shall be well with him forever and ever. Even so.Amen.
119And again, verily I say unto you, let no man pay stock to the quorum of
the Nauvoo House unless he shall be a believer in the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and the revelations I have
given unto you, saith the Lord your God;
120for that which is more or less than this cometh of evil, and shall be
attended with cursings and not blessings, saith the Lord your God. Even
so.Amen.
121And again, verily I say unto you, let the quorum of the Nauvoo House have
a just
recompense of wages for all their labors which they do in building the
Nauvoo House; and let their wages be as shall be agreed among themselves,
as pertaining to the price thereof.
122And let every man who pays stock bear his proportion of their wages, if
it must needs be, for their support, saith the Lord; otherwise, their labors
shall be accounted unto them for stock in that house. Even so.Amen.
Officers of the priesthood
123Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging to my
Priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the Priesthood which
is after the order of
Melchizedek, which is after the order of mine Only Begotten Son.
124First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch unto you, to hold
the sealing
blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby ye are
sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye may not fall notwithstanding
the hour of temptation that may come upon you.
125I give unto you my servant Joseph to be a presiding elder over all my
church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet.
126I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant
William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency, to
receive the oracles for the whole church.
127I give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve
traveling council;
128which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon
the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every
creature.
129They are Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William
Smith, John
Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith;
130David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his priesthood no man taketh
from him; but,
verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto the same calling.
131And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a high council, for the cornerstone
of Zion-
132namely, Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Charles C. Rich,
Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson-Seymour Brunson
I have taken unto myself; no man taketh his priesthood, but another may
be appointed unto the same priesthood in his stead; and verily I say unto
you, let my servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his
stead-David Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington.
133And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith to be a president over a quorum
of high priests;
134which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who
shall be
appointed standing presidents or servants over different stakes scattered
abroad;
135and they may travel also if they choose, but rather be ordained for standing
presidents; this is the
office of their calling, saith the Lord your God.
136I give unto him Amasa Lyman and Noah Packard for counselors, that they
may preside over the quorum of high priests of my church, saith the Lord.
137And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams,
and Jesse Baker, which priesthood is to preside over the quorum of elders,
which quorum is instituted for standing ministers; nevertheless they may
travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers to my church, saith
the Lord.
138And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles,
Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to preside
over the quorum of seventies;
139which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name
in all the world, wherever the traveling high council, mine apostles, shall
send them to
prepare a way before my face.
140The difference between this quorum and the quorum of elders is that one
is to travel continually, and the other is to preside over the churches
from time to time; the one has the responsibility of presiding from time
to time, and the other has no responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord
your God.
141And again, I say unto you, I give unto you Vinson Knight, Samuel H. Smith,
and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over the bishopric;
a knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in the book of
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS.
142And again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors for priests,
and the president of the teachers and his counselors, and also the president
of the deacons and his counselors, and also the president of the stake
and his counselors.
143The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for helps
and for governments, for the work of the ministry and the perfecting of
my saints.
144And a
commandment I give unto you, that you should fill all these offices and
approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them
at my general conference;
145and that ye should prepare rooms for all these offices in my house when
you build it
unto my name, saith the Lord your God. Even so.Amen.
NAUVOO HOUSE
HC 4:311
HC 4:311
HC: "Brother William Allred, Bishop of the stake at Pleasant Vale, and also Brother Henry W. Miller,
president of the stake at Freedom, desire President Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord His will
concerning them." I inquired of the Lord concerning the foregoing question, and received the following
answer:
1
Let my servants William Allred and Henry W Miller have an agency for the
selling of stock for the Nauvoo House, and assist my servants Lyman Wight,
Peter Haws, George Miller and John Snider in building said house, and let
my servants William Allred and Henry W. Miller take stock in the house,
that the poor of my people may have
employment, and that accommodations may be made for the strangers who
shall come to visit this place, and for this purpose let them devote all
their properties, saith the Lord.
SAINTS IN IOWA
125
March 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1876
HC 4:311-312
1
1What is the will of the Lord concerning the saints in the Territory of Iowa?
2Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call themselves
by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and
keep my commandments
concerning them, let them gather themselves together unto the places which
I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto
my name, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time
to come.
3Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city
of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.
4And let all those who come from the east, and the west, and the north,
and the south, that have desires to dwell therein, take up their inheritance
in the same, as well as in the city of Nashville, or in the city of Nauvoo,
and in all the stakes which I have appointed, says the Lord.
NAUVOO TEMPLE CORNERSTONES LAID
April 6, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:326-331
1
SIDNEY: PROPHET, SEER, AND REVELATOR
June 1, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:364
1
Elder Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.
BRIGHAM YOUNG
126
July 9, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1876
HC 4:382
This was first recorded in a journal on December 17, 1841: "Brigham Young, President of the Quorum
of the twelve, arrived at his house in Nauvoo, July 1st 1841. from England, having been absent from his
family since the 14th of September 1839, and the following revelation was given at his house."
1
1Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord
unto you:
My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your
family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me.
2I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for my name.
3I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and take especial care
of your family from this time, henceforth and forever.Amen.
NAUVOO HOUSE CORNERSTONES LAID
October 2, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:423
1
NO MORE BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD
October 3, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:426
HC: President Joseph Smith, by request of the Twelve Apostles, gave instructions on the doctrine of
baptism for the dead, which were listened to with intense interest by the large assembly. The
dispensation of the fullness of times will bring to light the things that have been revealed in all former
dispensations; also other things that have not been before revealed. He shall send Elijah the Prophet,
and restore all things in Christ. President Joseph Smith then announced: There shall be no more
baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the Lord's House; and the Church shall
not hold another General Conference, until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord!
In a letter from November 1851, Lyman Wight wrote: The church mostly went from there, Kirtland
Ohio, to Missouri where they commenced another house, from which they were driven to the State of
Illinois, where we were commanded to build a house or temple to the Most High God. We were to
have a sufficient time to build that house, during which time our baptisms for our dead should be
acceptable in the river. If we did not build within this time we were to be rejected as a church, we and
our dead together. Both the temple and baptizing went very leisurely till the temple was somewhere in
building the second story, when Brother Joseph from the stand announced the alarming declaration
that baptism for our dead was no longer acceptable in the river. As much to say the time for building
the temple had passed by and both we and our dead were rejected together. The church now stands
rejected together with their dead. The church being rejected now stands alienated from her God in
every sense of the word.
1
INSTRUCTIONS FOR KIRTLAND
October 31, 1841 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 4:443-444
HC: My brother Hyrum wrote to the brethren in Kirtland, of which the following is an extract:
1
All the saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away, for
this is, "Thus saith the Lord;" therefore pay out no moneys nor properties
for houses, nor lands, in that
country, for if you do, you will lose them; for the time shall come that
you shall not possess them in peace; but shall be scourged with a sore
scourge; yet your children may possess them; but not until many years shall
pass away. And as to the organization of that branch of the church, it
is not according to the spirit and will of God. And as to the
designs of the leading members of that branch, relative to the printing
press, and the
ordaining of Elders, and sending out Elders to beg for the poor, are not
according to the will of God. And in these things they shall not prosper,
for they have neglected the House of the Lord, the Baptismal Font, in this
place, wherein their dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that
unfolds the dispensation of the fullness of times may be turned,
and the mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which their salvation, and
the salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends, for
thus saith the Lord, "There shall not be a general assembly for a general
conference assembled together until the House of the Lord shall be finished,
and the baptismal font;" and if we are not diligent, "the church shall
be rejected, and their dead also," saith the Lord.
Therefore, dear brother, any proceedings otherwise than to put forth their
hands with their might to do this work, is not according to the will of
God, and shall not prosper. Therefore tarry not in any place whatever,
but come forth unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up
and polished and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord, come
ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine
indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send forth
and build up
Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined according to my word. Therefore,
your doings and your organizations, and designs in printing, or any of
your councils, are not of me, saith the Lord, even so, Amen.
HYRUM SMITH
Patriarch for the whole church.
WENTWORTH LETTER
March 1, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
Letter
HC 4:535-541
Joseph wrote a letter to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, outlining the history and
beliefs of the Church. Included in this letter was a brief history of Joseph's life and the establishment of
the Church, sometimes referred to as the 1842 History. The letter also included a list of beliefs of the
Church, which later became the Articles of Faith.
1
BOOK OF ABRAHAM PUBLISHED
March-May, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
Book of Abraham
This is the first record of the content after Abraham 2:18.
1
DEPEND ON NO MAN
May 26, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 5:19
Joseph Smith spoke at a meeting of the Relief Society.
1
President Joseph Smith rose, read the 14th
chapter of Ezekiel. Said the Lord had declared by the prophet that the
people should each one stand for himself and depend on no man or men. In
that state of corruption of the Jewish church that righteous persons could
only deliver their own souls. Applied it to the present state of the church
of Latter-Day Saints
- said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall-that they
were depending on the prophet hence were darkened in their minds from neglect
of themselves.
CHASTENED FOR NOT OBEYING
July 15, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
This was published in the Times and Seasons newspaper. It was attributed to the Editor, which was
officially Joseph Smith at the time.
1
We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not obeying his
commands, although we never violated any human law, or transgressed any
human precept: yet we have treated lightly his commands, and departed from
his ordinances, and the Lord has chastened us sore, and we have felt his
arm, and kissed the rod: let us be wise in time to
come, and ever remember that "to obey is better than sacrifice; and to
hearken than the fat of rams." The Lord has told us to build the temple,
and the Nauvoo House, and that command is as binding upon us as any other;
and that man who engages not in these things is as much a transgressor
as though he broke any other command-he is not a doer of God's will, nor
a fulfiller of his laws.
RECORDING BAPTISMS
127
September 1, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1844
HC 5:142-144
HC: During the forenoon in the Assembly Room, and in the afternoon at home, attending to business,
wrote the following:
To all the Saints in Nauvoo:
1
1Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, both in Missouri
and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue
me without a cause, and have not the least shadow or coloring of justice
or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against
me; and inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in
falsehood of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient and wisdom
in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own safety and the
safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom I have business,
that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks who will transact all
business in a prompt and proper manner, and will see that all my debts
are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or otherwise, as the
case may require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When I learn that
the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to you again.
2And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but
a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot
all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless
I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end,
or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth
all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water
is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me;
and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the
God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from
henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for
the Lord God hath spoken it.
3Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be
exceedingly glad; for Israel's God is their God, and he will mete out
a just recompense of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors.
4And again, verily thus saith the Lord:
Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto
you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance,
and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose
your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted
they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this
there is a reward in heaven.
5And again, I give unto you a word in relation to the baptism for your
dead.
6Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead:
When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a recorder, and
let him be eye-witness of your baptisms; let him hear with his ears, that
he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord;
7that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you
bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may
be loosed in heaven;
8for I am about to restore many things to the earth, pertaining to the
priesthood, saith the Lord of Hosts.
9And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in
the archives of my holy temple, to be held in remembrance from generation
to generation, saith the Lord of Hosts.
10I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with exceedingly great desire,
to have addressed them from the stand on the subject of baptism for the
dead, on the following Sabbath. But inasmuch as it is out of my power to
do so, I will write the word of the Lord from time to time, on that subject,
and send it to you by mail, as well as many other things.
11I now close my letter for the present, for the want of more time; for
the enemy is on the alert, and as the Savior said, the prince of this world
cometh, but he hath nothing in me.
12Behold, my prayer to God is that you all may be saved. And I subscribe
myself your
servant in the Lord, prophet and seer of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
JOSEPH SMITH
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
128
September 6, 1842 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1844
HC 5:148-153
HC: To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sendeth Greeting
1
1As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I would write
to you from time to time and give you information in relation to many subjects,
I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as that subject seems
to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since
I have been pursued by my enemies.
2I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I have
had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I now certify.
That is, it was declared in my former letter that there should be a recorder,
who should be eye-witness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might
make a record of a truth before the Lord.
3Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one recorder
to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obviate this
difficulty, there can be a
recorder appointed in each ward of the city, who is well qualified for
taking accurate minutes; and let him be very particular and precise in
taking the whole proceedings,
certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, and heard with his
ears, giving the date, and names, and so forth, and the history of the
whole transaction; naming also some three individuals that are present,
if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon certify to
the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established.
4Then, let there be a general recorder, to whom these other records can
be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signatures,
certifying that the record they have made is true. Then the general church
recorder can enter the record on the general church book, with the certificates
and all the attending witnesses, with his own statement that he verily
believes the above statement and records to be true, from his knowledge
of the general character and appointment of those men by the church. And
when this is done on the general church book, the record shall be just
as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen
with his eyes and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on
the general church book.
5You may think this order of things to be very particular; but let me tell
you that it is only to answer the will of God, by conforming to the ordinance
and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation
of the world, for the salvation of the dead
who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.
The record in heaven
6And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating
this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will
find recorded in Revelation 20:12
Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the
dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works.
7You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another
book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out
of those things which were written in the books, according to their works;
consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the
record of their works, and refer to the records
which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is
the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with
the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the
letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place-that in all
your recordings it may be recorded in heaven.
8Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood,
by the
revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view
of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in
heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be
recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according
to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances
in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according
to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before
the foundation of the world, according to the
records which they have kept concerning their dead.
9It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of-a power
which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all
ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood
to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always
been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of
the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful
record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could
not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is
a faithful saying. Who can hear it?
10And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19:
Matthew 16:18-19And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will
build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will
give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
11Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the
summum bonum
of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the
powers of the Holy
Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty
in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children
of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.
Symbolism of baptism
12Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life-The ordinance
of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness
of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed
in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the
resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their
graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with
the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.
13Consequently, the baptismal font was instituted as a similitude of the
grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath
where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth the living and the
dead, and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord
one with another-that which is
earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1
Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 48:
1 Corinthians 15:46-48
14Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural;
and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy;
the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they
also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are
heavenly.
And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are
truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This, therefore, is
the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys
of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge.
Salvation for the living depends on the dead
15And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that
these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot
be lightly passed over, as
pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential
to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers-that they without
us cannot be made perfect-neither
can we without our dead be made perfect.
16And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you another
quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29:
1 Corinthians 15:29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise
not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?
17And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation
from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the
priesthood, the glories to be
revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious
of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism
for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th
and 6th:
Malachi 4:5-6Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great
and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to
the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come
and smite the earth with a curse.
18I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently
plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this
case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding
link of some kind or other between the fathers and the
children, upon some subject or other-and behold what is that subject?
It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect;
neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be
made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is
necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times,
which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete
and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and
powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of
Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which
never have been revealed from the
foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent,
shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of
the fulness of times.
Summary of heavenly messengers
19Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received?
A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth
out of the earth; Glad tidings for the dead; A voice of gladness for the
living and the dead; Glad tidings of great joy.
Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad
tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion, "Behold, thy God reigneth!"
As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!
20And again, what do we hear?
Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the
fulfilment of the prophets-the book to be revealed.
A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring
the three witnesses to bear record of the book!
The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil
when he appeared as an angel of light!
The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony,
Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna
river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the
dispensation of the fulness of times!
21And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette,
Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the
travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of
Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present
time, all declaring their
dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and
glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept
upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation
by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!
22Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward.
Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice,
and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the
dead speak forth anthems of eternal
praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was,
that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the
prisoners shall go free.
23Let the
mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas
and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and
brooks, and rills, flow down with
gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord;
and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning
stars sing together, and let all the
sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name
forever and ever!
And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming
in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal
life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!
24Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day
of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's
fire, and like
fuller's soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and
he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that
they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore,
as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord
an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when
it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall
be worthy of all acceptation.
25Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now
close for the present, and continue the subject another time. I am, as
ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,
JOSEPH SMITH
DISCERNING MESSENGERS
129
February 9, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1876
HC 5:267
Constructed from notes written by William Clayton and Willard Richards of a conversation between
Joseph Smith, Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, and others.
1
1There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely:
Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones-
2for instance, Jesus said, "Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh
and bones, as ye see me have."
3Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected,
but inherit the same glory.
4When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your
hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
6If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory;
for that is the only way he can appear-
7ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary
to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver
his message.
8If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands
he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore
detect him.
9These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration
is from God.
NECESSARY TO BUILD TWO BUILDINGS
February 21, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
Wilford Woodruff made notes of a discourse Joseph delivered. Several individuals, including Robert
Foster, were promoting building projects on the hill near the temple, which was drawing labor and
resources away from the Nauvoo House project. Lucien Woodworth was one of the two architects of
the Nauvoo House. He was not a member at the time, and referred to himself as the pagan prophet.
1
President Joseph Smith arose and addressed the meeting as a Christian
prophet and
addressed for about an hour much to our edification. Many remarks he made
were plain and pointed some very applicable to Dr Robert D. Foster, which
he afterwards
acknowledged to be true. Joseph said the pagan prophet had prophesied
one thing that was true, viz, that if we did not build the temple &
Nauvoo House it would prove the ruin of the place. That if we did not build
those buildings we might as well leave the place. And that it was as necessary
to build one as the other. And many other things were said much to the
purpose.
IF BOTH NOT BUILT, MUST RUN AWAY
February 21, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
Willard Richards made notes of the same discourse in Joseph's journal.
1
Don't deny revelation-if the Temple and Nauvoo House are not finished you must run away...
The building of Nauvoo House is just as sacred in my view as the Temple...
I want the Nauvoo House built, it must be built, our salvation depends
upon it...
Finishing Nauvoo House [is] like a man finishing a fight. If he gives
up, he is killed-if he holds out a little longer, he may live.
VARIOUS TOPICS
130
April 2, 1843 - Ramus, Illinois
1876
HC 5:323-325
Constructed from notes written by William Clayton. Willard Richards, who kept Joseph's journal, was
not present in Ramus and based his journal entry on William Clayton's account.
1
1When the Savior shall appear we shall see him as he is. We shall see that
he is a man like ourselves.
2And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us
there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not
now enjoy.
3John 14:23-The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is
a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in
a man's heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.
4In answer to the question, "Is not the reckoning of God's time, angel's
time, prophet's time, and man's time, according to the planet on which
they reside?"
5I answer, yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but
those who do belong or have belonged to it.
6The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;
7but they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass
and fire, where all things for their
glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before
the Lord.
8The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim.
9This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto
crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon,
whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of
a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth
will be Christ's.
10Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim
and
Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining
to a higher
order of kingdoms will be made known;
11and a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial
kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that
receiveth it. The new name is the key word.
12I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God, that the commencement of the
difficulties which will cause much bloodshed previous to the coming of
the Son of Man will be in
South Carolina.
13It may probably arise through the slave question. This a voice declared
to me, while I was praying earnestly on the subject, December 25th, 1832.
14I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the
Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
15Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou
shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble
me no more on this matter.
16I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred
to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether
I should die and thus see his face.
17I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that
time.
18Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will
rise with us in the resurrection.
19And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through
his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage
in the world to come.
20There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of
this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-
21and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law
upon which it is predicated.
22The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son
also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage
of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
23A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may
descend upon him and not tarry with him.
VARIOUS TOPICS
131
May 16-17, 1843 - Ramus, Illinois
1876
HC 5:392-393
Constructed from notes written by William Clayton.
1
1In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of
the priesthood
This is not in William Clayton's notes.Added in 1876.[meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
3and if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
4He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot
have an increase.
5(May 17th, 1843)
The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is
sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy,
through the power of the Holy Priesthood.
6It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.
7There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but
it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;
8we cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it
is all matter.
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE CHURCH
May 27, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
Minutes from a meeting of the Twelve joined by President Joseph Smith, Patriarchs Hyrum Smith and
James Adams, Bishop Newel K. Whitney and others.
1
The patriarchal office is the highest office in the church, and father
Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] conferred this office on Hyrum Smith on his death
bed.
JOSEPH TO NOT PROPHESY ANYMORE
July 16, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 5:510
HC: Preached in the morning and evening at the stand in the grove, near the west of the Temple,
concerning a man's foes being those of his own household.
1
The same spirit that crucified Jesus is in the breast of some who profess
to be Saints in Nauvoo. I have secret enemies in the city intermingling
with the Saints, etc.
Said I would not prophesy any more, and proposed Hyrum to hold the office
of prophet to the Church, as it was his birthright. I am going to have
a reformation, and the Saints must regard Hyrum, for he has the authority.
ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD
August 27, 1843 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
Joseph Smith gave a sermon on Hebrews 7, which discusses Melchizedek the man, the priesthood
order of Melchizedek, and the Levitical priesthood. History of the Church 5:554-556 has an account of
this sermon, but it has significant information added that does appear in the original manuscripts.
On August 6, 1843, Brigham Young said, "If any in the church have the fullness of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, I do not know it." HC 5:527
1
Willard Richard's account:
There are three grand principles or orders of priesthood portrayed in
this chapter:
1st
Levitical which was never able to administer a blessing but only to bind
heavy burdens which neither they nor their faith were able to bear.
2nd
Abraham's Patriarchal power which is the greatest yet experienced in this
church.
3rd
That of Melchizedek who had still greater power, even power of endless
life, of which was our Lord Jesus Christ, which also Abraham obtained by
the offering of his son Isaac, which was not the power of a prophet nor
apostle nor patriarch only, but of King or Priest to God, to open the windows
of Heaven, and pour out the peace and law of endless life to man. And no
man can attain to the joint heirship with Jesus Christ without being
administered to by one having the same power and authority of Melchizedek.
James Burgess' account:
Paul is here treating of three different priesthoods, namely the priesthood
of Aaron,
Abraham, and Melchizedek. Abraham's priesthood was of greater power than
Levi's, and Melchizedek's was of greater power than that of Abraham. The
priesthood of Levi consisted of cursings and carnal commandments and not
of blessings.
KING FOLLETT DISCOURSE DELIVERED
April 7, 1844 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 6:302-317
Delivered as the funeral sermon for Elder King Follett, Joseph taught many new concepts that
contradicted both scripture and his previous teachings. Notable among these are that "God himself
was once as we are now" and "we have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea." Though never accepted as canon by common consent of the church, nor even
published with the scriptures, the concepts in this discourse would become accepted as doctrine and
redefine the very nature of God.
1
NAUVOO EXPOSITOR PUBLISHED
June 7, 1844 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 6:443-449
Published by William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. Higbee, Robert D. Foster, and Charles
A. Foster, in order to "give a full, candid, and succinct statement of the FACTS AS THEY REALLY EXIST IN
THE CITY OF NAUVOO, fearless of whose particular case the facts may apply." After the first issue was published, Joseph Smith and the city council ordered the destruction of the printing press.
Joseph Smith, Sr., gave his last recorded patriarchal blessing to Robert D. Foster on July 20, 1840. The
blessing promised, "thy enemies will rage, and persecute thee, and foam out their own shame, and
shall see the error of their ways, and be constrained to acknowledge their error, and thy truth...thy
name is written in heaven, and enrolled amongst the sanctified, thou shall be one of the hundred and
forty and four thousand."
1
We all verily believe, and many of us know of a surety, that the religion
of the Latter Day Saints, as originally taught by Joseph Smith, which is
contained in the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, BOOK OF COVENANTS, and
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
is verily true; and that the pure principles set forth in those books,
are the immutable and eternal principles of Heaven, and speaks a language
which, when spoken in truth and virtue, sinks deep into the heart of every
honest man. Its precepts are invigorating, and in every sense of the
word, tend to dignify and ennoble man's conceptions of God and his
attributes...
We are earnestly seeking to explode the vicious principles of Joseph Smith,
and those who practice the same abominations and whoredoms; which we verily
know are not accordant and consonant with the principles of Jesus Christ
and the Apostles; and for that purpose, and with that end in view, with
an eye single to the glory of God, we have dared to gird on the armor,
and with God at our head, we most solemnly and sincerely declare that the
sword of truth shall not depart from the thigh, nor the buckler from the
arm, until we can enjoy those glorious privileges which nature's God
and our country's laws have guaranteed to us-freedom of speech, the
liberty of the press, and the right to worship God as seemeth us good.
We are aware, however, that we are hazarding every earthly blessing, particularly
property, and probably life itself, in striking this blow at tyranny and
oppression: yet notwithstanding we most solemnly declare that no man, or
set of men combined, shall,
with impunity, violate obligations as sacred as many which have been violated
unless reason, justice and virtue have become ashamed and sought the haunts
of the grave, though our lives be the forfeiture.
Many of us have sought a reformation in the church, without a public exposition
of the enormities of crimes practiced by its leaders, thinking that if
they would hearken to counsel, and shew fruit meet for repentance, it would
be as acceptable with God, as
though they were exposed to public gaze...but our petitions were treated
with contempt; and in many cases the petitioner spurned from their presence
and particularly by Joseph, who would state that if he had sinned, and
was guilty of the charges we would charge him with, he would not make acknowledgment,
but would rather be damned; for it would
detract from his dignity, and would consequently ruin and prove the overthrow
of the Church...
It is absurd for men to assert that all is well, while wicked and corrupt
men are seeking our destruction, by a perversion of sacred things; for
all is not well, while whoredoms and all
manner of abominations are practiced under the cloak of religion. Lo!
the wolf is in the fold, arrayed in sheep's clothing, and is spreading
death and devastation among the saints: and we say to the watchmen standing
upon the walls, cry aloud and spare not, for the day of the Lord is at
hand...
Resolved 1st
-
That we will not encourage the acts of any court in this church, for the
trial of any of its members, which will not suffer the accused to be present
and plead their own cause; we therefore declare our decided disapprobation
to the course pursued last
Thursday evening, in the case of William and Wilson Law, and Mrs. William
Law, and
R.D. Foster, as being unjust and unauthorized by the laws of the Church,
and consequently null and void; for our law judgeth no man unless he be
heard; and to all
those who approbate a course so unwarranted, unprecedented and so unjust,
we would say beware lest the unjust measure you meet to your brethren,
be again meeted out to you.
Resolved 2nd
-
Inasmuch...as they have introduced false and damnable doctrines into the
Church, such as a plurality of gods above the God of this universe and
his ability to fall with all his creations; the plurality of wives, for
time and eternity; the doctrine of
unconditional sealing up to eternal life, against all crimes except that
of shedding innocent blood, by a perversion of their priestly authority
and thereby forfeiting the holy
priesthood...we therefore are constrained to denounce them as apostates
from the pure and holy doctrines of Jesus Christ.
Resolved 3rd
-
That we disapprobate and discountenance every attempt to unite church
and state; and that we further believe the effort now being made by Joseph
Smith for political power and influence, is not commendable in the sight
of God.
Resolved 4th
-
That the hostile spirit and conduct manifested by Joseph Smith, and many
of his associates towards Missouri and others inimical to his purposes,
are decidedly at
variance with the true spirit of Christianity, and should not be encouraged
by any people, much less by those professing to be the ministers of the
gospel of peace.
Resolved 5th
-
that while we disapprobate malicious persecutions and prosecutions, we
hold that all church members are alike amenable to the laws of the land;
and that we
further discountenance any chicanery to screen them from the just demands
of the same.
Resolved 6th
-
That we consider the religious influence exercised in financial concerns
by Joseph Smith, as unjust as it is unwarranted, for the Book of
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
makes it the duty of the Bishop to take charge of the financial affairs
of the Church, and of all temporal matters pertaining to the same.
Resolved 7th
-
That we discountenance and disapprobate the attendance at houses of
reveling and dancing; dram-shops and theatres; verily believing they have
a tendency to lead from paths of virtue and holiness, to those of vice
and debauchery.
Resolved 8th
-
That we look upon the pure and holy doctrines set forth in the Scriptures
of Divine truth, as being the immutable doctrines of salvation; and he
who abideth in them shall be saved, and he who abideth not in them cannot
inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Resolved 9th
-
That we consider the gathering in haste, and by sacrifice, to be contrary
to the will of God; and that it has been taught by Joseph Smith and others
for the purpose of enabling them to sell property at most exorbitant prices,
not regarding the welfare of the church, but through their covetousness
reducing those who had the means to give employment to the poor, to the
necessity of seeking labor for themselves; and thus the
wealth which is brought into the place is swallowed up by the one great
throat, from
whence there is no return, which if it had been economically disbursed
amongst the whole would have rendered all comfortable.
Resolved 10th
-
That, notwithstanding our extensive acquaintance with the financial affairs
of the Church, we do not know of any property which in reality belongs
to the
Church (except the Temple) and we therefore consider the injunction laid
upon the saints compelling them to purchase property of the Trustee in
trust for the Church, is a
deception practiced upon them; and that we look upon the sending of special
agents abroad to collect funds for the Temple and other purposes as a humbug
practiced upon the saints by Joseph and others, to aggrandize themselves,
as we do not believe that the monies and property so collected, have been
applied as the donors expected, but have been used for speculative purposes,
by Joseph, to gull the saints the better on their arrival at Nauvoo, by
buying the lands in the vicinity and selling again to them at tenfold advance;
and
further that we verily believe the appropriations said to have been subscribed
by shares for the building of the Nauvoo House to have been used by J.
Smith and Lyman Wight, for other purposes, as out of the mass of stock
already taken, the building is far from being
finished even to the base.
Resolved 11th
-
That we consider all secret societies, and combinations under penal oaths
and obligations, (professing to be organized for religious purposes,) to
be anti-Christian, hypocritical and corrupt.
Resolved 12th
-
That we will not acknowledge any man as king of law-giver to the church;
for Christ is our only king and law-giver.
Resolved 13th
-
That we call upon the honest in heart, in the Church, and throughout the
world, to vindicate the pure doctrines of Jesus Christ, whether set forth
in the BIBLE,
BOOK
OF
MORMON, or BOOK OF COVENANTS; and we hereby withdraw the hand of
fellowship, from all those who practice or teach doctrines contrary to
the above, until they cease so to do, and show works meet for repentance.
Resolved 14th
-
That we hereby notify all those holding licenses to preach the gospel,
who know they are guilty of teaching the doctrine of other Gods above the
God of this
creation; the plurality of wives; the unconditional sealing up against
all crimes, save that of shedding innocent blood; the spoiling of the gentiles,
and all other doctrines, (so called)
which are contrary to the laws of God, or to the laws of our country,
to cease preaching, and to come and make satisfaction, and have their licenses
renewed.
Resolved 15th
-
That in all our controversies in defense of truth and righteousness the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling
down of the strong holds of Satan; that our strifes are not against flesh,
blood, nor bones; but against
principalities and power, against spiritual wickedness in high places
and therefore we will not use carnal weapons save in our own defense.
MANY WILL SEEK FOR HIGH POSITIONS
June 22, 1844 - Nauvoo, Illinois
JSP
Extracted from notes of a speech Joseph Smith gave to the Nauvoo Legion. That night, Joseph and
Hyrum left Nauvoo and crossed the Mississippi River, intending to flee to the Rocky Mountains.
1
You will be called the first Elders of the church, and your mission will
be to the nations of the earth. You will gather many people unto the fastness
of the Rocky Mountains, as a
center for the gathering of the people. And you will be faithful because
of what you have been through.
And many of those that come in under your ministry, because of their much
learning, will seek for high positions, and they will be set up and raise
themselves in eminence above you, but you will walk in low places unnoticed.
And you will know of all that transpires in their midst. And those that
are your friends will be my friends. This I will promise to you, that when
I come again to lead you forth, for I will, to prepare a place for you,
so that where I am you shall be with me.
REJECTED AS A CHURCH: POST-1844
POLYGAMY
132
Undetermined origin
1876
HC 5:501-507
1
1Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch
as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord,
justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and
Solomon, my servants, as touching
the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines-
2behold, and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching
this matter.
3Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which
I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto
them must obey the same.
4For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if
ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this
covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.
5For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law
which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as
were instituted from before the foundation of the world.
6And as pertaining to the new and everlasting
covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receives
a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned,
saith the Lord God.
7And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these:
All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances,
connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered
into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed,
both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by
revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I
have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto
my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never
but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this
priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and
after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made
unto this end have an end when men are dead.
8Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a
house of confusion.
9Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name?
10Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?
11And will I appoint unto you,
saith the Lord, except it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained
unto you, before the world was?
12I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment-that no man
shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law, saith
the Lord.
13And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by
thrones, or
principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be,
that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down,
and shall not remain after men are
dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God.
14For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not
by me shall be shaken and
destroyed.
15Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not
by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the
world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when
they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are
not bound by any law when they are out of the world.
16Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given
in marriage;
but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants,
to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and
an eternal weight of glory.
17For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged,
but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition,
to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God
forever and ever.
18And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant
with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or
by my word, which is my
law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom
I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither
of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by
me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world
it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed
there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory;
for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.
19And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which
is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto
them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I
have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall
be said unto them-Ye shall come forth in the first
resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection;
and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions,
all heights and depths- then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of
Life, that he shall commit no murder
whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit
no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in
all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through
all eternity; and shall be of full force
when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and
the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things,
as hath been sealed upon their heads,
which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever
and ever.
20Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they
be from everlasting to
everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because
all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they
have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.
21Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain
to this glory.
22For
strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation
and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye
receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
23But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive
your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.
24This is eternal lives-to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.
25Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many
there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they
abide in my law.
26Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my
word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine
appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the
new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and
if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall
come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation;
but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the
buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.
27The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the
world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder
wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have
received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God;
And he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but
shall be damned, saith the Lord.
28I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee the law of my Holy
Priesthood, as was ordained by me and my Father before the world was.
29Abraham received all things, whatsoever he received, by revelation and
commandment, by my word, saith the Lord, and hath entered into his exaltation
and sitteth upon his throne.
30Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his
loins-
from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph-which were to continue
so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed,
out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out of the
world should they continue as
innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore
ye could not number them.
31This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise
was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works
of my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself.
32Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and
ye shall be saved.
33But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot receive the promise of my Father,
which he made unto Abraham.
34God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why
did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people.
This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises.
35Was Abraham, therefore, under
condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, commanded it.
36Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written:
Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted
unto him for
righteousness.
37Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted
unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode
in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which
they were commanded; and because they did none other things than that which
they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according
to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods.
38David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses
my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of
creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things
which they received not of me.
39David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of
Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this
power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case
of Uriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation,
and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world,
for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord.
40I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment,
and restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you
according to my word.
41And as ye have asked concerning adultery, verily, verily, I say unto you,
if a man
receiveth a wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she be with
another man, and I have not appointed unto her by the holy anointing, she
hath committed adultery and shall be destroyed.
42If she be not in the new and everlasting covenant, and she be with another
man, she has committed adultery.
43And if her husband be with another woman, and he was under a vow, he hath
broken his vow and hath committed adultery.
44And if she hath not committed adultery, but is innocent and hath not broken
her vow, and she knoweth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph,
then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy Priesthood, to take
her and give her unto him that hath not committed adultery but hath been
faithful; for he shall be made ruler over many.
45For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein
I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time.
46And verily, verily, I say
unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven;
and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the
Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosesoever sins
you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever
sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven.
47And again, verily I say, whomsoever you bless I will bless, and whomsoever
you curse I will curse, saith the Lord; for I, the Lord, am thy God.
48And again, verily I say unto you, my servant Joseph, that whatsoever you
give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one on earth, by my word
and according to my law, it shall be visited with blessings and not cursings,
and with my power, saith the Lord, and shall be without condemnation on
earth and in heaven.
49For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of
the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation,
and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham
your father.
50Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I
have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that
which I have told you. Go, therefore, and I make a way for your escape,
as I accepted the offering of Abraham of his son Isaac.
51Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma
Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and
partake not of that
which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord,
to prove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering
at your hand, by covenant and
sacrifice.
52And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given
unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those
who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith
the Lord God.
53For I am the
Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph
that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he has been faithful
over a few things, and from
henceforth I will strengthen him.
54And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant
Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment she
shall be
destroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy
her if she abide not in my law.
55But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph
do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply
him and give unto him an hundred-fold in this world, of fathers and mothers,
brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns
of eternal lives in the eternal worlds.
56And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his
trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she
has trespassed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and
multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice.
57And again, I say, let not my servant Joseph put his property out of his
hands, lest an enemy come and destroy him; for Satan seeketh to destroy;
for I am the Lord thy God, and he is my servant; and behold, and lo, I
am with him, as I was with Abraham, thy
father, even unto his exaltation and glory.
58Now, as touching the law of the priesthood, there are many things pertaining
thereunto.
59Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice,
and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys
of the power of this
priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and
by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.
60Let no one, therefore, set on my servant
Joseph; for I will justify him; for he shall do the sacrifice which I
require at his hands for his transgressions, saith the Lord your God.
61And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood-if any man espouse
a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent,
and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no
other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are
given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that
belongeth unto him and to no one else.
62And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit
adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore
is he justified.
63But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall
be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed;
for they are
given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment,
and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation
of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they
may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued,
that he may be glorified.
64And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, if any man have a wife, who
holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my priesthood,
as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto
him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God; for I will destroy
her; for I will magnify my name upon all those who
receive and abide in my law.
65Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she receive not this law, for
him to receive all things whatsoever I, the Lord his God, will give unto
him,
because she did not believe and administer unto him according to my word;
and she then becomes the transgressor; and he is exempt from the law of
Sarah, who administered unto Abraham according to the law when I commanded
Abraham to take Hagar to wife.
66And now, as pertaining to this law, verily, verily, I say unto you, I
will reveal more unto you, hereafter; therefore, let this suffice for the
present. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega.Amen.
133
Section 133
1
134
Section 134
1
THE MARTYRDOM
135
After June 1844 - Nauvoo, Illinois
1876
HC 6:629-631
1
1To seal the testimony of this book and the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, we announce the
martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch.
They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th
of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob- painted black-of
from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly,
exclaiming, "I am a dead man!" Joseph leaped from the window, and was
shot dead in the
attempt, exclaiming, "O Lord my God!" They were both shot after they were
dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls.
2John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only persons
in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with
four balls, but has since recovered; the latter, through the providence
of God, escaped, without even a hole in his robe.
3Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus
only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever
lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means
of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting
gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought
forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the
children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded
a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great,
and he died
great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed
in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood;
and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death
they were not separated!
4When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements
of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said:
I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning;
I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I
shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of me-he was murdered in cold
blood.
The same morning, after Hyrum had made ready to go-shall it be said to
the slaughter?
yes, for so it was-he read the following paragraph, near the close of
the twelfth chapter of Ether, in the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and turned down the leaf upon it:
5And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto
the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that
the Lord said unto me:
If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful;
wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen
thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in
the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.
And now I ... bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren
whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where
all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood.
The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force.
6Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old in February, 1844, and Joseph Smith
was thirty-eight in December, 1843; and henceforward their names will be
classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will
be reminded that the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and this book of
DOCTRINE
AND
COVENANTS
of the church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring
them forth for the salvation of a ruined world; and that if the fire can
scathe a green tree for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the
dry trees to purify the vineyard of
corruption.
They lived for glory; they died for glory; and glory is their eternal
reward. From age to age shall their names go down to posterity as gems
for the sanctified.
7They were innocent of any crime, as they had often been proved before,
and were only confined in jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked
men;
and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail is a broad seal
affixed to "Mormonism" that cannot be rejected by any court on earth,
and their innocent blood on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois, with
the broken faith of the State as pledged by the governor, is a witness
to the truth of the
everlasting gospel that all the world cannot impeach;
and their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the
magna charta
of the United States, is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ,
that will touch the hearts of honest men among all nations;
and their innocent blood, with the innocent blood of all the martyrs under
the altar that John saw, will cry unto the Lord of Hosts till he avenges
that blood on the earth.
Amen.
BRIGHAM TRIES TO SELL THE TEMPLE
December 10, 1845 - Nauvoo, Illinois
Brigham Young received two Catholic priests and gave them a tour of the temple, and while they were
in the upper room, proposed to sell the building to the Catholic church. On January 7, 1846, the
Catholic church formally declined the offer.https://www.jstor.org/stable/40193435
Warsaw Times [reprinted in New York Messenger, December 15, 1845]: Two Catholic priests passed through this place on Monday last on their way to Nauvoo. Their object was to ascertain the nature
and amount of property which the Mormons wish to dispose of to their church, and on what terms it
can be bought.
1
NAUVOO TEMPLE PRELIMINARY DEDICATION
February 8, 1846 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 7:580-581
HC: I met with the Council of the Twelve in the southeast corner room of the attic of the temple. We
knelt around the altar, and dedicated the building to the Most High. We asked his blessing upon our
intended move to the west; also asked him to enable us some day to finish the Temple, and dedicate it
to him, and we would leave it in his hands to do as he pleased; and to present the building as a
monument to Joseph Smith. We asked the Lord to accept the labors of his servants in this land.
We then left the temple. I addressed the saints in the grove and informed them that the company
going to the west would start this week across the river.
1
CHURCH MOVES OUT OF NAUVOO
February-September 1846 - Nauvoo, Illinois
HC 7:585
Brigham Young departed Nauvoo on February 15.
1
TWELVE VOTE TO SELL BOTH TEMPLES
April 29, 1846 - Nauvoo, Illinois
A vote was taken whether the Temple at Nauvoo and Kirtland with public lands should be sold.
Reasons advanced: the poverty of the Church, the probability of our enemies getting it, or destroying it if not sold. Vote unanimous in favor of selling.
(Diary of William C Staines, Church Archives)
Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heywood, and john S. Fullmer were called to act as "trustees" to sell
church assets. Fuller wrote in an April 1846 letter, "I am chosen together with two of the Brethren as
'Trustees-in-Trust' to dispose of all Church property and to use it in assisting the poor to go [to] the
West. We shall about finish the temple by the first of May, when it will be dedicated to the Most High
God, after which we think we will sell it. We expect to get $200,000 for it (about one quarter of its
cost)."
1
NAUVOO TEMPLE DEDICATED
May 1-3, 1846 - Nauvoo, Illinois
April 30 - Private dedication led by Joseph Young.
May 1-3 - Public dedication led by Orson Hyde.
1
THE CAMP OF ISRAEL
136
January 14, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska
1876
"At 12:30 PM, President Young met with Elder Kimball, Richards, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff,
George A Smith, Ezra T Benson, and Captain Hosea Stout in council at Elder Kimball's. President Young
proposed that letters be written to instruct brethren how to organize companies for emigration, and
that Ezra T Benson and Erastus Snow form an Emigration company, Number Three, appoint a
presidency of three, and captains of hundreds, fifties, and tens, a clerk, and oversee them. Also that
Orson Pratt and Wilford Woodruff organize another company, Number Four, and that Amasa M Lyman
and George A Smith organize company Number Five.
President Young commenced to give the Word and Will of God concerning the emigration of the saints
and those who journey with them. At 4:30 P.M., the council adjourned. At seven, the Twelve met at
Elder Benson's. President Young continued to dictate the word and will of the Lord. Council adjourned
at 10:00 P.M., when President Young retired with Dr. Richards to the Octagon and finished writing the
same which is here inserted:"
[Journal History of the Church, January 14, 1847]
1
1The Word and Will of the Lord concerning the Camp of Israel in their journeyings
to the West:
2Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant
and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God.
3Let the companies be organized
with captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens,
with a president and his two counselors at their head, under the direction
of the Twelve Apostles.
4And this shall be our covenant-that we will walk in all the ordinances
of the Lord.
5Let each company provide themselves with all the teams, wagons, provisions,
clothing, and other necessaries for the journey, that they can.
6When the companies are organized let them go to with their might, to prepare
for those who are to tarry.
7Let each company, with their captains and presidents, decide how many
can go next spring; then choose out a sufficient number of able-bodied
and expert men, to take teams, seeds, and farming utensils, to go as pioneers
to prepare for putting in spring
crops.
8Let each company bear an equal proportion, according to the dividend of
their property, in taking the poor, the widows, the fatherless, and the
families of those who
have gone into the army, that the cries of the widow and the fatherless
come not up into the ears of the Lord against this people.
9Let each company prepare houses, and fields for raising grain, for those
who are to remain behind this season; and this is the will of the Lord
concerning his people.
10Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people
to the place where the Lord shall locate a stake of Zion.
11And if ye do this
with a pure heart, in all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed; you shall
be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in
your houses, and in your families.
12Let my servants Ezra T. Benson and Erastus Snow organize a company.
13And let my servants Orson Pratt and Wilford Woodruff organize a company.
14Also, let my servants Amasa Lyman and George A. Smith organize a company.
15And appoint presidents, and captains of hundreds, and of fifties, and
of tens.
16And let my servants that have been appointed go and teach this, my will,
to the saints, that they may be ready to go to a land of peace.
17Go thy way and do as I have told you, and fear not thine enemies; for
they shall not have power to stop my work.
18Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time.
19And if any man shall seek to build up himself, and seeketh not my counsel,
he shall have no power, and his folly shall be made manifest.
20Seek ye; and keep all your pledges one with another; and covet not that
which is thy brother's.
21Keep yourselves from evil to take the name of the Lord in vain, for I
am the Lord your God, even the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham
and of Isaac and of Jacob.
22I am he who led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; and my
arm is stretched out in the last days, to save my people Israel.
23Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another.
24Cease
drunkenness; and let your words tend to edifying one another.
25If thou borrowest of thy neighbor, thou shalt restore that which thou
hast borrowed; and if thou canst not repay then go straightway and tell
thy neighbor, lest he condemn thee.
26If thou shalt find that which thy neighbor has lost, thou shalt make diligent
search till thou shalt deliver it to him again.
27Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest
be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou
art his steward.
28If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing,
and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
29If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that
your souls may be joyful.
30Fear not thine enemies, for they are in mine hands and I will do my pleasure
with them.
31My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive
the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will
not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
32Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling
upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and
his ears opened that he may hear;
33for my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the
humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.
34Thy brethren have rejected you and your testimony, even the nation that
has driven you out;
35and now cometh the day of their calamity, even the days of sorrow, like
a woman that is taken in travail; and their sorrow shall be great unless
they speedily repent, yea, very speedily.
36For they killed the prophets, and them that were sent unto them; and they
have shed innocent blood, which crieth from the ground against them.
37Therefore, marvel not at these things, for ye are not yet pure; ye cannot
yet bear my glory; but ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping
all my words that I have given you, from the days of Adam to Abraham, from
Abraham to Moses, from Moses to Jesus and his apostles, and from Jesus
and his apostles to Joseph Smith, whom I did call upon by
mine angels, my ministering servants, and by mine own voice out of the
heavens, to bring forth my work;
38which foundation he did lay, and was faithful; and I took him to myself.
39Many have marveled because of his death; but it was needful that he should
seal his testimony with his blood, that he might be honored and the wicked
might be condemned.
40Have I not delivered you from your enemies, only in that I have left a
witness of my name?
41Now, therefore, hearken, O ye people of my church; and ye elders listen
together; you have received my kingdom.
42Be diligent in keeping all my commandments, lest
judgments come upon you, and your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph
over you. So no more at present.Amen and Amen.
137
Section 137
1
NAUVOO TEMPLE DESTROYED BY FIRE
October 9, 1848 - Nauvoo, Illinois
History of Hancock County: About 3 o'clock (in the morning) fire was discovered in the cupola. It had
made but little headway when first seen, but spread rapidly, and in a very short period the lofty spire
was a mass of flame, shooting high in the air, and illuminating a wide extent of country. It was seen for
miles away. The citizens gathered around, but nothing could be done to save the structure. It was
entirely of wood except the walls, and nothing could have stopped the progress of the flames. In two
hours, and before the sun dawned upon the earth, the proud structure, reared at so much cost-an
anomaly in architecture, and a monument of religious zeal-stood with four blackened and smoking
walls only remaining.
1
NAUVOO TEMPLE WALLS COLLAPSED BY WIND
May 27, 1850 - Nauvoo, Illinois
A tornado struck the burned out shell of the temple, partially collapsing the walls. The next day the
east and south walls were deemed a safety hazard and demolished, leaving only the west wall of the
building. Eventually that was deemed unsafe and demolished, leaving not one stone upon another.
1
JOSEPH F SMITH'S VISION
138
October 4, 1918 - Salt Lake City, Utah
1981
1
1On the third of October, in the year nineteen hundred and eighteen, I
sat in my room pondering over the scriptures;
2and reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son
of God, for the redemption of the world;
3and the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son
in the coming of the Redeemer into the world;
4that through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the
gospel, mankind might be saved.
5While I was thus engaged, my mind reverted to the writings of the apostle
Peter, to the primitive saints scattered abroad throughout Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, and other parts of Asia, where the gospel had been preached
after the crucifixion of the Lord.
6I opened the BIBLE
and read the third and fourth chapters of the first epistle of Peter,
and as I read I was greatly impressed, more than I had ever been before,
with the following passages:
1 Peter 3:18-20
7"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened
by the Spirit:
8"by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
9"which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited
in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is,
eight souls were saved by water." (1 Peter 3:18-20.)
1 Peter 4:6
10"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit." (1 Peter 4:6.)
11As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding
were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts
of the dead, both small and great.
12And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of
the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus
while they lived in mortality;
13and who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice
of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer's name.
14All these had
departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection,
through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
15I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing
together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.
16They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit
world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.
17Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to
his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body
to be united never again to be
divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.
18While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour
of their
deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring
liberty to the
captives who had been faithful;
19and there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of
the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from
individual sins on conditions of repentance.
20But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant
who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised;
21neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the
warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence, nor look upon his
face.
22Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was
peace;
23and the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged
the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains
of hell.
24Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord
rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.
25I marveled, for I understood that the Savior spent about three years in
his ministry among the Jews and those of the house of Israel, endeavoring
to teach them the everlasting gospel and call them unto repentance;
26and yet, notwithstanding his mighty works, and miracles, and proclamation
of the truth, in great power and authority, there were but few who hearkened
to his voice, and rejoiced in his presence, and received salvation at his
hands.
27But his ministry among those who were dead was limited to the brief time
intervening between the crucifixion and his resurrection;
28and I wondered at the words of Peter-wherein he said that the Son of God
preached unto the spirits in prison, who
sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited
in the days of Noah-and how it was possible for him to preach to those
spirits and perform the
necessary labor among them in so short a time.
29And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened,
and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the
disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
30but behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed
messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to
go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in
darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached
to the dead.
31And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of
the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto
all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
32Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without
a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
33These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism
for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on
of hands,
34and all other principles of the gospel that were
necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might
be judged
according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
35And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous
as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice
of the Son of God upon the cross.
36Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn
in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits
of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;
37that they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto
whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression,
that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his
words.
38Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation
of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,
39and our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had
lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God.
40Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty
ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam.
41Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest; Abraham,
the father of the
faithful; Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, the great law-giver of Israel;
42and Isaiah, who declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to
bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the
opening of the prison to them that were bound, were also there.
43Moreover, Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones,
which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection
of the dead,
living souls;
44Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the establishment of the kingdom of God
in the latter days, never again to be destroyed nor given to other people;
45Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration;
46and Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah-of whom
also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should
come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord-
were also there.
47The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises
made to their fathers,
48foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in
the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead,
and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth
be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming.
49All these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites
and testified of the coming of the Son of God, mingled in the vast assembly
and waited for their deliverance,
50for the dead had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from
their bodies as a bondage.
51These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection
from the dead, to enter into his Father's kingdom, there to be
crowned with immortality and eternal life,
52and continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord,
and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that
love him.
53The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John
Taylor,
Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth
in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great
latter-day work,
54including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances
therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.
55I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were
chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.
56Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first
lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the
due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the
souls of men.
57I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart
from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel
of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten
Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin
in the great world of the spirits of the dead.
58The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances
of the house of God,
59and after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are
washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they
are heirs of salvation.
60Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and
I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so.Amen.
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
SELECTIONS FROM
The Book of Moses
1
1The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an
exceedingly high mountain,
2and he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of
God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence.
3And God spake unto Moses, saying:
Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without
beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?
4And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the
workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and
also my words, for they never cease.
5Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory;
and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh
on the earth.
6And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude
of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior,
for he is full of
grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present
with me, for I know them all.
7And now, behold, this one thing I show unto thee, Moses, my son, for thou
art in the world, and now I show it unto thee.
8And it came to pass that Moses looked, and beheld the world upon which
he was created; and Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all
the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly
marveled and wondered.
MOSES IS TEMPTED
9And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that his glory was not upon
Moses; and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself,
he fell unto the earth.
10And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses
did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto
himself:
Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had
supposed.
11But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual
eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered
and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face,
for I was transfigured before him.
First attempt
12And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan
came tempting him, saying, "Moses, son of man, worship me."
13And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said:
Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his
Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?
14For behold, I could not look
upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured
before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so,
surely?
15Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn
from me, or else where
is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee
and God; for God said unto me, "Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve."
16Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me, "Thou art
after the similitude of mine Only Begotten."
17And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning
bush, saying, "Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship
me."
18And again Moses said:
I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him:
for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and
thee. Depart hence, Satan.
Second attempt
19And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice,
and ranted
upon the earth, and commanded, saying, "I am the Only Begotten, worship
me."
20And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began
to fear, he saw the
bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength,
and he commanded, saying:
Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is
the God of glory.
21And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received
strength, and called upon God, saying:
In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.
22And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping,
and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the
presence of Moses, that he beheld him not.
23And now of this thing Moses bore record; but because of wickedness it
is not had among the children of men.
THE LORD RETURNS
24And it came to pass that when Satan had departed from the presence of
Moses, that Moses lifted up his eyes unto heaven, being filled with the
Holy Ghost, which beareth
record of the Father and the Son;
25and calling upon the name of God, he beheld his glory again, for it was
upon him; and he heard a voice, saying:
Blessed art thou, Moses,
for I, the Almighty, have chosen thee,
and thou shalt be made stronger than many waters;
for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert God.
26And lo, I am with thee,
even unto the end of thy days;
for thou shalt deliver my people from bondage,
even Israel my chosen.
27And it came to pass, as the voice was still speaking, Moses cast his eyes
and beheld the earth, yea, even all of it; and there was not a particle
of it which he did not behold,
discerning it by the Spirit of God.
28And he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul which
he beheld not; and he discerned them by the Spirit of God; and their numbers
were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore.
29And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were
inhabitants on the face thereof.
30And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying:
Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?
31And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood
in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face.
And the Lord God said unto Moses:
For mine own purpose have I made these things.
Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me.
32And by the word of my power, have I created them,
which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.
33And worlds without number have I created;
and I also created them for mine own purpose;
and by the Son I created them,
which is mine Only Begotten.
34And the first man of all men have I called Adam,
which is many.
35But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you.
For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power.
And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man;
but all things are numbered unto me,
for they are mine and I know them.
36And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying:
Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth,
and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant
will be content.
37And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying:
The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man;
but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.
38And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof
even so shall another come;
and there is no end to my works,
neither to my words.
39For behold, this is my work and my glory-
to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
40And now, Moses, my son, I will speak unto thee concerning this
earth upon which thou standest; and thou shalt write the things which I shall speak.
41And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and
take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold, I will raise up another
like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men -among as many as shall believe.
42
(These words were spoken unto Moses in the mount, the name of which shall
not be known among the children of men. And now they are spoken unto you.
Show them not unto any except them that believe. Even so.Amen.)
THE CREATION
2
1And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Moses, saying:
Behold, I reveal unto you concerning this heaven, and this earth; write
the words which I speak. I am the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God;
by mine Only Begotten I
created these things; yea, in the beginning I created the heaven, and
the earth upon which thou standest.
2And the earth was without form, and void; and I caused darkness to come
up upon the face of the deep; and my Spirit moved upon the face of the
water; for I am God.
Day 1: Light
3And I, God, said, "Let there be light;" and there was light.
4And I, God, saw the light; and that light was good. And I, God, divided
the light from the darkness.
5And I, God, called the light day, and the darkness, I called night. And
this I did by the word of my power, and it was done as I spake. And the
evening and the morning were the first day.
Day 2:Waters
6And again, I, God, said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the
water," and it was so, even as I spake; and I said, "Let it divide the
waters from the waters;" and it was done;
7and I, God, made the firmament and divided the waters, yea, the great
waters under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament,
and it was so even as I spake.
8And I, God, called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning
were the second day.
Day 3: Land and plants
9And I, God, said, "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together
unto one place," and it was so; and I, God, said, "Let there be dry land;"
and it was so.
10And I, God, called the dry land "Earth;" and the gathering together of
the waters, called I the sea. And I, God, saw that all things which I had
made were good.
11And I, God, said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding
seed, the fruit tree yielding fruit, after his kind, and the tree yielding
fruit, whose seed should be in itself
upon the earth." 'And it was so even as I spake.
12And the earth brought forth grass, every herb yielding seed after his
kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed should be in itself, after
his kind; and I, God, saw that all things which I had made were good.
13And the
evening and the morning were the third day.
Day 4: Lights
14And I, God, said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven,
to divide the day
from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days,
and for years;
15and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light
upon the earth." And it was so.
16And I, God, made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day,
and the lesser light to rule the night, and the greater light was the sun,
and the lesser light was the moon.
And the stars also were made even according to my word.
17And I, God, set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon
the earth,
18and the sun to rule over the day, and the moon to rule over the night,
and to divide the light from the darkness. And I,
God, saw that all things which I had made were good.
19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Day 5: Creatures of water and air
20And I, God, said, "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature
that hath life, and fowl which may fly above the earth in the open firmament
of heaven."
21And I, God, created great whales, and every living creature that moveth,
which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every
winged fowl after his kind; and I, God, saw that all things which I had
created were good.
22And I, God, blessed them,
saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the sea; and
let fowl multiply in the earth."
23And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Day 6: Beasts of earth, man
24And I, God, said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after
his kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their
kind," and it was so.
25And I, God, made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and cattle
after their kind, and everything which
creepeth upon the earth after his kind; and I, God, saw that all these
things were good.
26And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning:
Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
And it was so. And I, God, said:
Let them have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing
that creepeth upon the earth.
27And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten
created I him; male and female created I them.
28And I, God, blessed them, and said unto them:
Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and
have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and
over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
29And I, God, said unto man:
Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face
of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall be the fruit of a tree
yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to
everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein I grant life, there shall
be given every clean herb for meat.
And it was so, even as I spake.
31And I, God, saw everything that I had made, and, behold, all things which
I had made were very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth
day.
Day 7: Rest
3
1Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2And on the
seventh day I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and
I rested on the seventh day from all my work, and all things which I had
made were finished, and I, God, saw that they were good;
3and I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in
it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made.
The garden of Eden
4And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the
heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the
Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,
5and every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb
of the field
before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have
spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth.
For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth.
The first flesh
And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet
a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not
yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;
6but I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and
watered the whole face of the ground.
7And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the
first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things
were before created; but spiritually were they
created and made according to my word.
8And I, the Lord God, planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there I put
the man whom I had formed.
9And out of the ground made I, the Lord God, to grow every tree,
naturally, that is pleasant to the sight of man; and man could behold
it. And it became also a living soul. For it was spiritual in the day that
I created it; for it remaineth in the sphere in which I, God, created it,
yea, even all things which I prepared for the use of man; and man saw that
it was good for food. And I, the Lord God, planted the tree of life also
in the midst of the garden, and also the tree of knowledge of good and
evil.
10And I, the Lord God, caused a river to go out of Eden to water the garden;
and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11And I, the Lord God, called the name of the first Pison, and it compasseth
the whole land of Havilah, where I, the Lord God,
created much gold;
12and the gold of that land was good, and there was bdellium and the onyx
stone.
13And the name of the second river was called Gihon; the same that compasseth
the whole land of Ethiopia.
14And the name of the third river was Hiddekel; that which goeth toward
the east of Assyria. And the fourth river was the Euphrates.
15And I, the Lord God, took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden,
to dress it, and to keep it.
16And I, the Lord God, commanded the man, saying:
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat,
17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat
of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto
thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die.
18And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that it was not good
that the man should be alone; wherefore, I will make an help meet for him.
19And out of the ground I, the Lord God, formed every beast of the field,
and every fowl of the air; and commanded that they should come unto Adam,
to see what he would call them; and they were also living souls; for I,
God, breathed into them the breath of life, and commanded that whatsoever
Adam called every living creature, that should be the name thereof.
20And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to
every beast of the field; but as for Adam, there was not found an help
meet for him.
21And I, the Lord God, caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and he slept,
and I took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh in the stead thereof;
22and the rib which I, the Lord God, had taken from man, made I a woman,
and brought her unto the man.
23And Adam said:
This I know now is bone of my bones,
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of man.
24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave
unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.
25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Satan's backstory
4
1And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying:
That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten,
is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying,
"Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind,
that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give
me thine honor."
2But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the
beginning, said unto me, "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine
forever."
3Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy
the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that
I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten,
I caused that he should be cast down;
4and he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive
and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as
would not hearken unto my voice.
Choices
5And now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which
I, the Lord God, had made.
6And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away
many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the
mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world.
7And he said unto the woman:
Yea, hath God said, "Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden"?
And he spake by the mouth of the serpent.
8And the woman said unto the serpent:
We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden;
9but of the fruit of the tree which thou beholdest in the midst of the
garden, God hath said, "Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch
it, lest ye die."
10And the serpent said unto the woman:
Ye shall not surely die;
11for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall
be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
12And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became
pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took
of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with
her, and he did eat.
13And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they had been
naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.
14And they heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were walking in the
garden, in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife went to hide themselves
from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Curses
15And I, the Lord God, called unto Adam, and said unto him:
Where goest thou?
16And he said:
I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I beheld that
I was naked, and I hid myself.
17And I, the Lord God, said unto Adam:
Who told thee thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded
thee that thou shouldst not eat, if so thou shouldst surely die?
18And the man said:
The woman thou gavest me, and commandest that she should remain with me,
she gave me of the fruit of the tree and I did eat.
19And I, the Lord God, said unto the woman:
What is this thing which thou
hast done?
And the woman said:
The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
20And I, the Lord God, said unto the serpent:
Because thou hast done this thou shalt be cursed above all cattle,
and above every beast of the field;
upon thy belly shalt thou go,
and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life;
21and I will put enmity between thee and the woman,
between thy seed and her seed;
and he shall bruise thy head,
and thou shalt bruise his heel.
22Unto the woman, I, the Lord God, said:
I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception.
In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children,
and thy desire shall be to thy husband,
and he shall rule over thee.
23And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said:
Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife,
and hast eaten of the fruit of the tree
of which I commanded thee, saying, "Thou shalt not eat of it,"
cursed shall be the ground for thy sake;
in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.
24Thorns also, and thistles shall it bring forth to thee,
and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.
25By the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
until thou shalt return unto the ground-
for thou shalt surely die-for out of it wast thou taken:
for dust thou wast, and unto dust shalt thou return.
26And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all
living; for thus have I, the Lord God, called the first of all women, which
are many.
27Unto Adam, and also unto his wife, did I, the Lord God, make coats of
skins, and clothed them.
28And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten:
Behold, the man is become as one of us
to know good and evil;
and now, lest he put forth his hand and partake also of the tree of life,
and eat, and live forever,
29therefore I, the Lord God, will send him forth from the Garden of Eden,
to till the ground from whence he was taken;
30for as I, the Lord God, liveth, even so my words cannot return void,
for as they go forth out of my mouth they must be fulfilled.
31So I drove out the man, and I placed at the east of the Garden of Eden,
cherubim and a flaming sword, which turned every way to keep the way of
the tree of life.
32(And these are the words which I spake unto my servant Moses, and they
are true even as I will; and I have spoken them unto you. See thou show
them unto no man, until I command you, except to them that believe.) Amen.
5
1And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that
Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts
of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord
had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.
2And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and
they began to multiply and to replenish the earth.
3And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide
two and two in the land, and to till the land, and to tend flocks, and
they also begat sons and daughters.
Commandments to worship God
4And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they
heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking
unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
5And he gave unto them
commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should
offer the
firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was
obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
6And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying:
Why
dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?
And Adam said unto him:
I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
7And then the angel spake, saying:
This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the
Father, which is full of grace and truth.
8Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and
thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
9And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of
the Father and the Son, saying:
I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and
forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind,
even as many as will.
10And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy
concerning all the families of the earth, saying:
Blessed be the name of God,
for because of my transgression my eyes are opened,
and in this life I shall have joy,
and again in the flesh I shall see God.
11And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying:
Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed,
and never should have known good and evil,
and the joy of our redemption,
and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
12And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known
unto their sons and their daughters.
Spiritual fall
13And Satan came among them, saying, "I am also a son of God;" and he commanded
them, saying, "Believe it not;" and they believed it not, and they loved
Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual,
and devilish.
14And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded
them that they should repent;
15and as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should
be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned;
and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore
they must be fulfilled.
16And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God.
Cain and Abel
And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, and said,
"I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject his words."
But behold, Cain hearkened not, saying, "Who is the Lord that I should
know him?"
17And she again conceived and bare his brother Abel. And Abel hearkened
unto the voice of the Lord. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was
a tiller of the ground.
18And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan commanded him, saying, "Make
an offering unto the Lord."
19And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit
of the ground an
offering unto the Lord.
20And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat
thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering;
21but unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew
this, and it pleased him. And Cain
was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
22And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth?
Why art thou wroth?
Why is thy countenance fallen?
23If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted.
And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door,
and Satan desireth to have thee;
and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up,
and it shall be unto thee according to his desire.
And thou shalt rule over him;
24for from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies;
thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world.
25And it shall be said in time to come that these abominations were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel which was had from God; and this is a cursing which I will put upon thee, except thou repent.
26And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord,
neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord.
27And Adam and his wife mourned before the Lord, because of Cain and his
brethren.
28And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers' daughters to wife,
and they loved Satan more than God.
29And Satan said unto Cain:
Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear
thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not;
for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that thy father may
not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands.
30And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands.
And all these things were done in secret.
31And Cain said:
Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and
get gain.
Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.
32And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother.
And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against
Abel, his brother, and slew him.
33And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying, "I am free; surely
the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands."
34And the Lord said unto Cain, "Where is Abel, thy brother?"
And he said, "I know not. Am I my brother's keeper?"
35And the Lord said:
What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood cries unto me from
the ground.
36And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth which hath opened her mouth
to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand.
37When thou tillest the ground it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her
strength. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
38And Cain said unto the Lord:
Satan tempted me because of my brother's flocks. And I was wroth also;
for his offering thou didst accept and not mine; my punishment is greater than
I can bear.
39Behold thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the Lord, and
from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond
in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth me will slay
me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord.
40And I the Lord said unto him:
Whosoever slays thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.
And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill
him.
41And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, and with his wife
and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
42And Cain knew his wife, and she
conceived and bare Enoch, and he also begat many sons and daughters. And
he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of
his son, Enoch.
43And unto Enoch was born Irad, and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat
Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and
other sons and daughters. And Methusael begat Lamech.
Lamech
44And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and
the name of the other, Zillah.
45And Adah bare Jabal; he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and
they were keepers of cattle; and his brother's name was Jubal, who was
the father of all
such as handle the harp and organ.
46And Zillah, she also bare Tubal Cain, an instructor of every artificer
in brass and iron. And the sister of Tubal Cain was called Naamah.
47And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah:
Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have
slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
48If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and
seven fold;
49For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner
of Cain,
wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was
administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known
their secret, began to
reveal it unto the sons of Adam;
50wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother
Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath's sake.
51For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their
works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.
52Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had
covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it
displeased God, and he
ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began
to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men.
53And among the daughters of men these things were not spoken, because that
Lamech had spoken the secret unto his wives, and they rebelled against
him, and declared these things abroad, and had not compassion;
54wherefore Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons
of men, lest he should die.
55And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of
men.
56And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked,
with all the sons of men whom he had made;
57for they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten
Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who
was prepared from before the foundation of the world.
58And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared
by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice,
and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.
59And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and
the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the
world, until the end thereof; and thus it was.Amen.
6
1And Adam hearkened unto the voice of God, and called upon his sons to repent.
Seth
2And Adam knew his wife again, and she bare a son, and he called his name
Seth. And Adam glorified the name of God; for he said, "God hath appointed
me another seed,
instead of Abel, whom Cain slew."
3And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offered an
acceptable sacrifice, like unto his brother Abel. And to him also was born
a son, and he called his name Enos.
4And then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord, and the Lord
blessed them.
5And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the
language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called
upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;
6and by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language
which was pure and undefiled.
7"Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the
end of the world also."
8Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
Generations of Adam
And a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the book
of the
generations of Adam, saying, "In the day that God created man, in the
likeness of God made he him;
9in the image of his own body, male and female, created he them, and
blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created
and became living souls in the land upon the footstool of God."
ADAM
10And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own
likeness, after his own image, and called his name Seth.
11And the days of Adam, after he had begotten Seth, were eight hundred years,
and he begat many sons and daughters.
12And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and
he died.
SETH
13Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begat Enos, and prophesied
in all his days, and taught his son Enos in the ways of God; wherefore
Enos prophesied also.
14And Seth lived, after he begat Enos, eight hundred and seven years, and
begat many sons and daughters.
15And the children of men were numerous upon all the face of the land. And
in those days Satan had great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts;
and from thenceforth
came wars and bloodshed; and a man's hand was against his own brother,
in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for power.
16All the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died.
ENOS
17And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan. And Enos and the residue
of the people of God came out from the land, which was called Shulon, and
dwelt in a land of promise, which he called after his own son, whom he
had named Cainan.
18And Enos lived, after he begat Cainan, eight hundred and fifteen years,
and begat many sons and daughters. And all the days of Enos were nine hundred
and five years, and he died.
CAINAN
19And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel; and Cainan lived
after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons
and daughters. And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years,
and he died.
MAHALALEEL
20And Mahalaleel lived sixty-five years, and begat Jared; and Mahalaleel
lived, after he begat Jared, eight hundred and thirty years, and begat
sons and daughters. And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred and
ninety-five years, and he died.
JARED
21And Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begat Enoch; and
Jared lived, after he begat Enoch, eight hundred years, and begat sons
and daughters. And Jared taught Enoch in all the ways of God.
22And this is the genealogy of the sons of Adam, who was the son of God,
with whom God, himself, conversed.
23And they were preachers of righteousness, and spake and prophesied, and
called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; and faith was taught unto the
children of men.
24And it came to pass that all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two
years, and he died.
ENOCH
25And Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begat Methuselah.
Enoch's call
26And it came to pass that Enoch journeyed in the land, among the people;
and as he journeyed, the Spirit of God descended out of heaven, and abode
upon him.
27And he heard a voice from heaven, saying:
Enoch, my son, prophesy unto this people, and say unto them-
Repent, for thus saith the Lord:
I am angry with this people,
and my fierce anger is kindled against them;
for their hearts have waxed hard,
and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off;
28and for these many generations,
ever since the day that I created them,
have they gone astray, and have denied me,
and have sought their own counsels in the dark;
and in their own abominations have they devised murder,
and have not kept the commandments, which I gave unto their father, Adam.
29Wherefore, they have foresworn themselves,
and, by their oaths, they have brought upon themselves death;
and a hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not;
30and this is a decree, which I have sent forth in the beginning of the world,
from my own mouth, from the foundation thereof,
and by the mouths of my servants, thy fathers, have I decreed it,
even as it shall be sent forth in the world, unto the ends thereof.
31And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before
the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying:
Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and
all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?
32And the Lord said unto Enoch:
Go forth and do as I have commanded thee,
and no man shall pierce thee.
Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled,
and I will give thee utterance,
for all flesh is in my hands,
and I will do as seemeth me good.
33Say unto this people, "Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you."
34Behold my Spirit is upon you,
wherefore all thy words will I justify;
and the mountains shall flee before you,
and the rivers shall turn from their course;
and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you;
therefore walk with me.
35And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him:
Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see.
And he did so.
36And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things
which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the
saying abroad in the land, "A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people."
Enoch preaches
37And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people,
standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice,
testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him.
38And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the
tent-keepers, "Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to
behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the
land; a wild man hath come among us."
39And it came to pass when they heard him, no man laid hands on him; for
fear came on all them that heard him; for he walked with God.
40And there came a man unto him, whose name was Mahijah, and said unto him:
Tell us plainly who thou art, and from whence thou comest?
41And he said unto them:
I came out from the land of Cainan, the land of my fathers, a land of
righteousness
unto this day. And my father taught me in all the ways of God.
42And it came to pass, as I journeyed from the land of Cainan, by the sea
east, I beheld a vision; and lo, the heavens I saw, and the Lord spake
with me, and gave me commandment; wherefore, for this cause, to keep the
commandment, I speak forth these words.
43And Enoch continued his speech, saying:
The Lord which spake with me, the same is the God of heaven, and he is
my God, and your God, and ye are my brethren, and why counsel ye yourselves,
and deny the God of heaven?
44The heavens he made; the earth is his footstool; and the foundation thereof
is his.
Behold, he laid it, an host of men hath he brought in upon the face thereof.
45And
death hath come upon our fathers; nevertheless we know them, and cannot
deny, and even the first of all we know, even Adam.
46For a book of remembrance we have
written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God;
and it is given in our own language.
47And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could
not stand in his presence.
48And he said unto them:
Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death; and we are
made partakers of misery and woe.
49Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to
worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are
shut out from the presence of God.
50But God hath made known unto our
fathers that all men must repent.
51And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying:
I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.
52And he also said unto him:
If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and
repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the
name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is
Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby
salvation shall come unto the
children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all
things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.
53And our father Adam spake unto the Lord, and said:
Why is it that men must repent and be baptized in water?
And the Lord said unto Adam:
Behold I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the Garden of Eden.
54Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath
atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered
upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation
of the world.
55And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying:
Inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin,
even so when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts,
and they taste the bitter,
that they may know to prize the good.
56And it is given unto them to know good from evil;
wherefore they are agents unto themselves .
And I have given unto you another law and commandment.
57Wherefore teach it unto your children that:
all men, everywhere, must repent,
or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God,
for no unclean thing can dwell there,
or dwell in his presence;
for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name,
and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ,
a righteous Judge who shall come in the meridian of time.
58Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children, saying:
59That by reason of transgression cometh the fall,
which fall bringeth death,
and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit,
which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul,
even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood,
even the blood of mine Only Begotten;
that ye might be sanctified from all sin,
and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world,
and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
60For by the water ye keep the commandment;
by the Spirit ye are justified,
and by the blood ye are sanctified;
61Therefore it is given to abide in you;
the record of heaven; the Comforter;
the peaceable things of immortal glory;
the truth of all things;
that which quickeneth all things,
which maketh alive all things;
that which knoweth all things, and hath all power
according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.
62And now, behold, I say unto you:
This is the plan of salvation unto all men,
through the blood of mine Only Begotten,
who shall come in the meridian of time.
63And behold, all things have their likeness,
and all things are created and made to bear record of me,
both things which are temporal,
and things which are spiritual;
things which are in the heavens above,
and things which are on the earth,
and things which are in the earth,
and things which are under the earth,
both above and beneath:
all things bear record of me.
64And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam
cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was
carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out
of the water.
65And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he
was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man,
66and he heard a voice
out of heaven, saying:
Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the
Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; 67and thou art after the order
of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all
eternity.
68Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my
sons.Amen.
7
1And it came to pass that Enoch continued his speech, saying:
Behold, our father Adam taught these things, and many have believed and
become the sons of God, and many have believed not, and have perished in
their sins, and are looking forth with fear, in torment, for the fiery
indignation of the wrath of God to be poured out upon them.
Enoch's prophecy
2And from that time forth Enoch began to prophesy, saying unto the people, that:
As I was journeying, and stood upon the place Mahujah, and cried unto
the Lord, there came a voice out of heaven, saying, "Turn ye, and get ye
upon the mount Simeon."
3And it came to pass that I turned and went up on the mount; and as I stood
upon the mount, I beheld the heavens open, and I was clothed upon with
glory;
4and I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me,
even as a man
talketh one with another, face to face.
And he said unto me, "Look, and I will show unto thee the world for the
space of many generations."
5And it came to pass that I beheld in the valley of Shum, and lo, a great
people which dwelt in tents, which were the people of Shum.
6And again the Lord said unto me, "Look;" and I looked towards the north,
and I beheld the people of Canaan, which dwelt in tents.
7And the Lord said unto me, "Prophesy;" and I prophesied, saying:
Behold the people of Canaan, which are numerous, shall go forth in battle
array against the people of Shum, and shall slay them that they shall utterly
be destroyed; and the people of Canaan shall divide themselves in the land,
and the land shall be barren and unfruitful, and none other people shall
dwell there but the people of Canaan;
8for behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness
thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all
the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people.
9And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, "Look;" and I looked,
and I beheld the land of Sharon, and the land of Enoch, and the land of
Omner, and the land of Heni, and the land of Shem, and the land of Haner,
and the land of Hanannihah, and all the inhabitants thereof;
10and the Lord said unto me:
Go to this people, and say unto them, "Repent;" lest I come out and smite
them with a curse, and they die.
11And he gave unto me a commandment that I should baptize in the name of
the
Father, and of the Son, which is full of grace and truth, and of the Holy
Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son.
Zion
12And it came to pass that Enoch continued to call upon all the people,
save it were the people of Canaan, to repent;
13and so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and
their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the
Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to
his command; and the
rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions
was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful
was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which
God had given him.
14There also came up a land out of the depth of the sea, and so great was
the fear of the enemies of the people of God, that they fled and stood
afar off and went upon the land which came up out of the depth of the sea.
15And the giants of the land, also, stood afar off; and there went forth
a curse upon all people that fought against God;
16and from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them; but
the Lord came and dwelt
with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness.
17The fear of the Lord was upon all nations, so great was the glory of the
Lord, which was upon his people.
And the Lord blessed the land, and they were blessed upon the mountains,
and upon the high places, and did flourish.
18And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.
19And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of
God. And it
came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City
of Holiness, even Zion.
20And it came to pass that Enoch talked with the Lord; and he said unto
the Lord:
Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever.
But the Lord said unto Enoch:
Zion have I blessed, but the residue of the people have I cursed.
Zion and the flood
21And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants
of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken
up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch:
Behold mine abode forever.
22And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of
Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed
of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.
23And after that Zion was taken up into
heaven, Enoch beheld, and lo, all the nations of the earth were before
him;
24and there
came generation upon generation; and Enoch was high and lifted up, even
in the bosom of the Father, and of the Son of Man.
And behold, the power of Satan was upon all the face of the earth.
25And he saw angels descending out of heaven; and he heard a loud voice
saying, "Wo, wo be unto the
inhabitants of the earth."
26And he beheld Satan; and he had a great chain in his hand, and it veiled
the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed,
and his angels rejoiced.
27And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of
the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many and they were caught
up by the powers of heaven into Zion.
28And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of
the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying:
How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain
upon the mountains?
29And Enoch said unto the Lord:
How is it that thou canst weep,
seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?
30And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth,
yea, millions of earths like this,
it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations;
and thy curtains are stretched out still;
and yet thou art there,
and thy bosom is there;
and also thou art just;
thou art merciful and kind forever.
31And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom,
from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity;
and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne;
and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end.
How is it thou canst weep?
32The Lord said unto Enoch:
Behold these thy brethren;
they are the workmanship of mine own hands,
and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them;
and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
33And unto thy brethren have I said,
and also given commandment,
that they should love one another,
and that they should choose me, their Father;
but behold, they are without affection,
and they hate their own blood;
34And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them;
and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them,
for my fierce anger is kindled against them.
35Behold, I am God;
Man of Holiness is my name;
Man of Counsel is my name;
and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.
36Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands
and hold all the creations which I have made;
and mine eye can pierce them also,
and among all the workmanship of mine hands
there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.
37But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers;
Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom;
and the whole heavens shall weep over them,
even all the workmanship of mine hands;
wherefore should not the heavens weep,
seeing these shall suffer?
38But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods;
and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.
39And that which I have chosen hath pled before my face.
Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins;
inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me,
and until that day they shall be in torment;
40wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep,
yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
41And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all
the doings of the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, and looked upon
their wickedness, and their misery, and wept and stretched forth his arms,
and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all
eternity shook.
42And Enoch also saw Noah, and his family; that the posterity of all the
sons of Noah should be saved with a temporal salvation;
43wherefore Enoch saw that Noah built an ark; and that the Lord smiled upon
it, and held it in his own hand; but upon the residue of the wicked the
floods came and swallowed them up.
44And as Enoch saw this, he had bitterness of soul, and wept over his brethren,
and said unto the heavens:
I will refuse to be comforted.
But the Lord said unto Enoch:
Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look.
45And it came to pass that Enoch looked; and from Noah, he beheld all the
families of the earth; and he cried unto the Lord, saying:
When shall the day of the Lord come? When shall the blood of the Righteous
be shed, that all they that mourn may be sanctified and have eternal life?
46And the Lord said:
It shall be in the meridian of time, in the days of wickedness and vengeance.
47And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in
the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying:
The Righteous is lifted up,
and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world;
and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father,
and behold, Zion is with me.
48And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice
from the bowels thereof, saying:
Wo, wo is me, the mother of men; I am pained,
I am weary, because of the wickedness of my children.
When shall I rest,
and be cleansed from the filthiness which is gone forth out of me?
When will my Creator sanctify me, that I may rest,
and righteousness for a season abide upon my face?
49And when Enoch heard the earth mourn, he wept, and cried unto the Lord,
saying:
O Lord, wilt thou not have compassion upon the earth? Wilt thou
not bless the children of Noah?
50And it came to pass that Enoch continued his cry unto the Lord, saying:
I ask thee, O Lord, in the name of thine Only Begotten, even Jesus Christ,
that thou wilt have mercy upon Noah and his seed, that the earth might
never more be covered by the floods.
51And the Lord could not withhold; and he covenanted with Enoch, and sware
unto him with an oath, that he would stay the floods; that he would call
upon the children of Noah;
52and he sent forth an unalterable decree, that a remnant of his seed should
always be
found among all nations, while the earth should stand;
53and the Lord said:
Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith-I am
Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity;
whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore,
blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with
songs of everlasting joy.
54And it came to pass that Enoch cried unto the Lord, saying:
When the Son of Man cometh in the flesh, shall the earth rest? I pray
thee, show me these things.
55And the Lord said unto Enoch, "Look," and he looked and beheld the Son
of Man lifted up on the cross, after the manner of men;
56and he heard a loud voice; and the heavens
were veiled; and all the creations of God mourned; and the earth groaned;
and the rocks were rent; and the saints arose, and were crowned at the
right hand of the Son of Man, with crowns of glory;
57and as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth, and stood
on the right hand of God; and the remainder were reserved in chains of
darkness until the judgment of the great day.
Last days
58And again Enoch wept and cried unto the Lord, saying:
When shall the earth rest?
59And Enoch beheld the Son of Man ascend up unto the Father; and he called
unto the Lord, saying:
Wilt thou not come again upon the earth? Forasmuch as thou art God, and
I know thee, and thou hast sworn unto me, and commanded me that I should
ask in the name of thine Only Begotten; thou hast made me, and given unto
me a right to thy throne, and not of myself, but through thine own grace;
wherefore, I ask thee if thou wilt not come again on the earth.
60And the Lord said unto Enoch:
As I live, even so will I come in the last days,
in the days of wickedness and vengeance,
to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah;
61And the day shall come that the earth shall rest,
but before that day the heavens shall be darkened,
and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth;
and the heavens shall shake,
and also the earth;
and great tribulations shall be among the children of men,
but my people will I preserve;
62And righteousness will I send down out of heaven;
and truth will I send forth out of the earth,
to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten;
his resurrection from the dead;
yea, and also the resurrection of all men;
and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood,
to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth,
unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City,
that my people may gird up their loins,
and be looking forth for the time of my coming;
for there shall be my tabernacle,
and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
63And the Lord said unto Enoch:
Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there,
and we will receive them into our bosom,
and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks,
and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other;
64and there shall be mine abode,
and it shall be Zion,
which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made;
and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest.
65And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of
Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space
of a thousand years;
66but before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he
also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them,
looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should
come upon the wicked.
67And the Lord showed Enoch all things, even unto the end of the world;
and he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their redemption, and
received a fulness of joy.
68And all the days of Zion, in the days of Enoch, were three hundred and
sixty-five years.
69And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst
of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up
into his own bosom; and
from thence went forth the saying, "Zion is fled."
8
1And all the days of Enoch were four hundred and thirty years.
METHUSELAH
2And it came to pass that Methuselah, the son of Enoch, was not taken,
that the covenants of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to Enoch;
for he truly covenanted with Enoch that Noah should be of the fruit of
his loins.
3And it came to pass that Methuselah prophesied that from his loins should
spring all the kingdoms of the earth (through Noah), and he took glory
unto himself.
4And there came forth a great famine into the land, and the Lord cursed
the earth with a sore curse, and many of the inhabitants thereof died.
5And it came to pass that Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven
years, and begat Lamech;
6and Methuselah lived, after he begat Lamech, seven hundred and eighty-two
years, and begat sons and daughters.
7And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years,
and he died.
LAMECH
8And Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and begat a son,
9and he called his name Noah, saying:
This son shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands,
because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.
10And Lamech lived, after he begat Noah, five hundred and ninety-five years,
and begat sons and daughters;
11and all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years,
and he died.
NOAH
12And Noah was four hundred and fifty years old, and begat Japheth; and
forty-two years afterward he begat Shem of her who was the mother of Japheth,
and when he was five hundred years old he begat Ham.
13And Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they
were called the sons of God.
14And when these men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters
were born unto them, the sons of men saw that those daughters were fair,
and they took them wives, even as they chose.
15And the Lord said unto Noah:
The daughters of thy sons have sold themselves; for behold mine anger
is kindled against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to my voice.
16And it came to pass that Noah prophesied, and taught the things of God,
even as it was in the beginning.
17And the Lord said unto Noah:
My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for he shall know that all
flesh shall die; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years; and
if men do not repent, I will send in the floods upon them.
18And in those days there were giants on the earth, and they sought Noah
to take away his life; but the Lord was with Noah, and the power of the
Lord was upon him.
19And the Lord ordained Noah after his own order, and commanded him that
he should go forth and declare his Gospel unto the children of men, even
as it was given unto Enoch.
20And it came to pass that Noah called upon the children of men that they
should repent; but they hearkened not unto his words;
21And also, after that they had heard him, they came up before him, saying:
Behold, we are the sons of God;
have we not taken unto ourselves the daughters of men?
And are we not eating and drinking,
and marrying and giving in marriage?
And our wives bear unto us children,
and the same are mighty men,
which are like unto men of old,
men of great renown.
And they hearkened not unto the words of Noah.
22And God saw that the wickedness of men had become great in the earth;
and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart,
being only evil continually.
23And it came to pass that Noah continued his preaching unto the people,
saying:
Hearken, and give heed unto my words;
24believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost,
that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods
will come in upon you;
Nevertheless they hearkened not.
25And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the Lord had made
man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart.
26And the Lord said:
I will destroy man whom I have created, from the face of the earth,
both man and beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air;
for it repenteth Noah that I have created them,
and that I have made them;
and he hath called upon me;
for they have sought his life.
27And thus Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord; for Noah was a just
man, and
perfect in his generation; and he walked with God, as did also his three
sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
28The earth was corrupt before God, and it was filled with violence.
29And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh
had corrupted its way upon the earth.
30And God said unto Noah:
The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence,
and behold I will destroy all flesh from off the earth.
THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM
1
Abraham seeks for the right belonging to the fathers
Abraham 1:1-2:18 is recorded in a manuscript dated November 1835
1In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my fathers, I, Abraham,
saw that it was
needful for me to obtain another place of residence;
2and, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I
sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should
be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness,
desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater
follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be
a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions,
and to keep the
commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding
the right belonging to the fathers.
3It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers,
from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the
foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the
firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the
fathers unto me.
4I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment
of God unto the fathers concerning the seed.
5My fathers, having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy
commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping
of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice;
6for their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god
of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of
Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt;
7therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice of the heathen in
offering up their children unto these dumb idols, and hearkened not unto
my voice, but endeavored to take away my life by the hand of the priest
of Elkenah.
The priest of Elkenah was also the priest of Pharaoh.
8Now, at this time it was the custom of the priest of Pharaoh, the king
of Egypt, to offer up upon the altar which was built in the land of Chaldea,
for the offering unto these strange gods, men, women, and children.
9And it came to pass that the priest made an offering unto the god of Pharaoh,
and also
unto the god of Shagreel, even after the manner of the Egyptians. Now
the god of
Shagreel was the sun.
10Even the thank-offering of a child did the priest of Pharaoh offer upon
the altar which stood by the hill called Potiphar's Hill, at the head of
the plain of Olishem.
11Now, this priest had offered upon this altar three virgins at one time,
who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent directly from the
loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up because of their virtue; they
would not bow down to worship gods of wood or of stone, therefore they
were killed upon this altar, and it was done after the manner of the Egyptians.
12And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, that they
might slay me also, as they did those virgins upon this altar. And that
you may have a knowledge of this altar, I will refer you to the representation
at the commencement of this record.
13It was made after the form of a bedstead, such as was had among the Chaldeans,
and it stood before the gods of Elkenah, Libnah, Mahmackrah, Korash, and
also a god like unto that of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
14That you may have an understanding of these gods, I have given you the
fashion of them in the figures at the beginning, which manner of figures
is called by the Chaldeans Rahleenos, which signifies hieroglyphics.
15And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up
and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God,
and the Lord hearkened and
heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel
of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands;
16and his voice was unto me:
Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and
have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father's
house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest
not of;
17and this because they have turned their hearts away from me, to worship
the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and
the god of Korash, and the god of
Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have come down to visit them, and
to destroy him who hath lifted up his hand against thee, Abraham, my son,
to take away thy life.
18Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon
thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be
over thee.
19As it was with Noah so shall it be with thee; but through thy ministry
my name shall be known in the earth forever, for I am thy God.
20Behold, Potiphar's Hill was in the land of Ur, of Chaldea. And the Lord
broke down the altar of Elkenah, and of the gods of the land, and utterly
destroyed them, and smote the priest that he died; and there was great
mourning in Chaldea, and also in the court of
Pharaoh; which Pharaoh signifies king by royal blood.
Origin of Egypt
21Now this king of Egypt was a descendant from the loins of Ham, and was
a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth.
22From this descent sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the
Canaanites was preserved in the land.
23The land of Egypt being first
discovered by a woman, who was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of
Egyptus, which in the Chaldean signifies Egypt, which signifies that which
is forbidden;
24when this woman discovered the land it was under water, who afterward
settled her sons in it; and thus, from Ham, sprang that race which preserved
the curse in the land.
25Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest
son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government
of Ham, which was patriarchal.
26Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his
people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that
order
established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the
first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his
father, who blessed him with the
blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him
as pertaining to the Priesthood.
27Now, Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have the
right of Priesthood, notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain claim it
from Noah, through Ham, therefore my father was led away by their idolatry;
28but I shall endeavor, hereafter, to delineate the chronology running back
from myself to the beginning of the creation, for the records have come
into my hands, which I hold unto this present time.
Leaving Ur
29Now, after the priest of Elkenah was smitten that he died, there came
a fulfilment of those things which were said unto me concerning the land
of Chaldea, that there should be a famine in the land.
30Accordingly a famine prevailed throughout all the land of Chaldea, and
my father was sorely tormented because of the famine, and he repented of
the evil which he had determined against me, to take away my life.
31But the records of the fathers, even the patriarchs, concerning the right
of Priesthood, the Lord my God preserved in mine own hands; therefore a
knowledge of the beginning of the creation, and also of the planets, and
of the stars, as they were made known unto the
fathers, have I kept even unto this day, and I shall endeavor to write
some of these things upon this record, for the benefit of my posterity
that shall come after me.
2
1Now the Lord God caused the famine to wax sore in the land of Ur, insomuch
that Haran, my brother, died; but Terah, my father, yet lived in the land
of Ur, of the Chaldees.
2And it came to pass that I, Abraham, took Sarai to wife, and Nahor, my
brother, took Milcah to wife, who was the daughter of Haran.
3Now the Lord had said unto me:
Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy
father's house, unto a land that I will show thee.
4Therefore I left the land of Ur, of the Chaldees, to go into the land
of Canaan; and I took Lot, my brother's son, and his wife, and Sarai my
wife; and also my father followed after me, unto the land which we denominated
Haran.
Haran
5And the famine abated; and my father tarried in Haran and dwelt there,
as there were many flocks in Haran; and my father turned again unto his
idolatry, therefore he continued in Haran.
6But I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother's son, prayed unto the Lord.
And the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me:
Arise, and take Lot with thee; for I have purposed to take thee away out
of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land
which I will give
unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken
to my voice.
7For I am the Lord thy God; I dwell in heaven; the earth is my footstool;
I stretch my hand over the sea, and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind
and the fire to be my
chariot; I say to the mountains, "Depart hence," and behold, they are
taken away by a whirlwind, in an instant, suddenly.
8My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my
hand shall be over thee.
9And I will make of thee a great nation,
and I will bless thee above measure,
and make thy name great among all nations,
and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee,
that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
10and I will bless them through thy name;
for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name,
and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father;
11and I will bless them that bless thee,
and curse them that curse thee;
and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood)
and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood),
for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee,
and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body)
shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel,
which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal.
12Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and withdrawn his
face from me, I said in my heart:
Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee;
13thou didst send thine angel to deliver me from the gods of Elkenah, and
I will do well to hearken unto thy voice, therefore let thy servant rise
up and depart in peace.
14So I, Abraham, departed as the Lord had said unto me, and Lot with me;
and I, Abraham, was sixty and two years old when I departed out of Haran.
Canaan
15And I took Sarai, whom I took to wife when I was in Ur, in Chaldea, and
Lot, my brother's son, and all our substance that we had gathered, and
the souls that we had won in Haran, and came forth in the way to the land
of Canaan, and dwelt in tents as we came on our way;
16therefore, eternity was our covering and our rock and our salvation, as
we journeyed from Haran by the way of Jershon, to come to the land of Canaan.
17Now I, Abraham, built an altar in the land of Jershon, and made an offering
unto the Lord, and prayed that the famine might be turned away from my
father's house, that they might not perish.
18And then we passed from Jershon through the land unto the place of Sechem;
it was situated in the plains of Moreh, and we had already come into the
borders of the land of the Canaanites, and I offered sacrifice there in
the plains of Moreh, and
called on the Lord devoutly, because we had already come into the land
of this idolatrous nation.
The remainder of the Book of Abraham from 2:19 has no surviving manuscript and was first published in 1842 in Times and Seasons.
19And the Lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers, and said unto me:
Unto thy seed will I give this land.
20And I, Abraham, arose from the place of the altar which I had built unto
the Lord, and removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel,
and pitched my tent there, Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east; and
there I built another altar unto the Lord, and called again upon the name
of the Lord.
21And I, Abraham, journeyed, going on still
towards the south; and there was a continuation of a famine in the land.
Egypt
And I, Abraham, concluded to go down into Egypt, to sojourn there, for
the famine became very grievous.
22And it came to pass when I was come near to enter into Egypt, the Lord
said unto me:
Behold, Sarai, thy wife, is a very fair woman to look upon;
23therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see her, they
will say, "She is his wife;" and they will kill you, but they will save
her alive; therefore see that ye do on this wise:
24let her say unto the Egyptians she is thy sister, and thy soul shall live.
25And it came to pass that I, Abraham, told Sarai, my wife, all that the
Lord had said unto me:
Therefore say unto them, I pray thee, thou art my sister, that it may
be well with me for thy sake, and my soul shall live because of thee.
Stars
3
1And I, Abraham, had the Urim and Thummim, which the Lord my God had given
unto me, in Ur of the Chaldees;
2and I saw the stars, that they were very great, and that one of them was
nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were
near unto it;
3and the Lord said unto me:
These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob,
because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this
one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which
thou standest.
4And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after
the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions
thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner
of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed
unto that whereon thou standest. This is the
reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.
5And the Lord said unto me:
The planet which is the lesser light, lesser than that which is to rule
the day, even the night, is above or greater than that upon which thou
standest in point of reckoning, for it moveth in order more slow; this
is in order because it standeth above the earth upon which thou standest,
therefore the reckoning of its time is not so many as to its number of
days, and of months, and of years.
6And the Lord said unto me:
Now, Abraham, these two facts exist, behold thine eyes see it; it is given
unto thee to know the times of reckoning, and the set time, yea, the set
time of the earth upon
which thou standest, and the set time of the greater light which is set
to rule the day, and the set time of the lesser light which is set to rule
the night.
7Now the set time of the lesser light is a longer time as to its reckoning
than the reckoning of the time of the earth upon which thou standest.
8And where these two facts exist, there shall be another fact above them,
that is, there shall be another planet whose reckoning of time shall be
longer still;
9and thus there shall be the reckoning of the time of one planet above
another, until thou come nigh unto Kolob, which Kolob is after the reckoning
of the Lord's time; which Kolob is set nigh unto the throne of God, to
govern all those planets which belong to the same
order as that upon which thou standest.
10And it is given unto thee to know the set time of all the stars that are
set to give light, until thou come near unto the throne of God.
11Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord, face to face, as one man talketh
with another; and he told me of the works which his hands had made;
12and he said unto me:
My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), Behold I will show you
all these.
And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands
had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I
could not see the end thereof.
13And he said unto me, "This is Shinehah," which is the sun.
And he said unto me, "Kokob," which is star.
And he said unto me, "Olea," which is the moon.
And he said unto me, "Kokaubeam," which signifies stars, or all the great
lights, which were in the firmament of heaven.
14And it was in the night time when the Lord spake these words unto me:
I will multiply thee, and thy seed after thee, like unto these; and if
thou canst count the number of sands, so shall be the number of thy seeds.
SPIRITS
15And the Lord said unto me:
Abraham, I show these things unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye
may declare all these words.
16If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall be
greater things above them; therefore Kolob is the greatest of all the Kokaubeam
that thou hast seen, because it is nearest unto me.
17Now, if there be two things, one above the other, and the moon be above
the earth, then it may be that a planet or a star may exist above it; and
there is nothing that the Lord thy God shall take in his heart to do but
what he will do it.
18Howbeit that he made the greater star; as, also, if there be two spirits,
and one shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits,
notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no beginning;
they existed before, they shall have no end, they shall exist after, for
they are
gnolaum, or eternal.
19And the Lord said unto me:
These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent
than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am
the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.
20The Lord thy God sent his angel to deliver thee from the hands of the
priest of Elkenah.
21I dwell in the midst of them all; I now, therefore, have come down unto
thee to declare unto thee the works which my hands have made, wherein my
wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the
earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine
eyes have seen from the
beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences
thou hast seen.
22Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized
before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble
and great ones;
23and God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst
of them, and he said, "These I will make my rulers;" for he stood among
those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto
me:
Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
24And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto
those who were with him:
We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials,
and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever
the Lord their God shall command them;
26and they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who
keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with
those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate
shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
27And the Lord said, "Whom shall I send?"
And one answered like unto the Son of Man, "Here am I, send me." And another
answered and said, "Here am I, send me."
And the Lord said, "I will send the first."
28And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH
4
1And then the Lord said, "Let us go down."
And they went down at the beginning, and they, that is the Gods, organized
and formed the heavens and the earth.
2And the earth, after it was formed, was empty and desolate, because they
had not formed anything but the earth; and darkness reigned upon the face
of the deep, and the Spirit of the Gods was brooding upon the face of the
waters.
Day 1: Light
3And they (the Gods) said, "Let there be light;" and there was light.
4And they (the Gods) comprehended the light, for it was bright; and they
divided the light, or caused it to be
divided, from the darkness.
5And the Gods called the light Day, and the darkness they called Night.
And it came to pass that from the evening until morning they called night;
and from the morning until the evening they called day; and this was the
first, or the beginning, of that which they called day and night.
Day 2:Waters
6And the Gods also said:
Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and it shall divide
the waters from the waters.
7And the Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which
were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and
it was so, even as they
ordered.
8And the Gods called the expanse, "Heaven."
And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that they called
night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that
they called day; and this was the second time that they called night and
day.
Day 3: Land, plants
9And the Gods ordered, saying:
Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and
let the earth come up dry;
and it was so as they ordered;
10and the Gods pronounced the dry land, Earth; and the gathering together
of the waters, pronounced they, "Great Waters;" and the Gods saw that they
were obeyed.
11And the Gods said:
Let us prepare the earth to bring forth grass; the herb yielding seed;
the fruit tree yielding fruit, after his kind, whose seed in itself yieldeth its own
likeness upon the earth;
and it was so, even as they ordered.
12And the Gods organized the earth to bring forth grass from its own seed,
and the herb to bring forth herb from its own seed, yielding seed after
his kind; and the earth to bring forth the tree from its own seed, yielding
fruit, whose seed could only bring forth the same in itself, after his
kind; and the Gods saw that they were obeyed.
13And it came to pass that they numbered the days; from the evening until
the morning they called night; and it came to pass, from the morning until
the evening they called day; and it was the third time.
Day 4: Lights
14And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the heaven, and caused
them to
divide the day from the night; and organized them to be for signs and
for seasons, and for days and for years;
15and organized them to be for lights in the expanse of the heaven to give
light upon the earth; and it was so.
16And the Gods organized the two great lights, the greater light to rule
the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; with the lesser light
they set the stars also;
17and the Gods set them in the expanse of the heavens, to give light upon
the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to cause to
divide the light
from the darkness.
18And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.
19And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that it was
night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that
it was day; and it was the fourth time.
Day 5: Creatures of water and air
20And the Gods said:
Let us prepare the waters to bring forth abundantly the moving creatures
that have life; and the fowl, that they may fly above the earth in the
open expanse of heaven.
21And the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great whales,
and every living creature that moveth, which the waters were to bring forth
abundantly after their kind; and every winged fowl after their kind. And
the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, and that their plan was good.
22And the Gods said:
We will bless them, and cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and fill
the waters in the seas or great waters; and cause the fowl to multiply
in the earth.
23And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that they called
night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that
they called day; and it was the
fifth time.
Day 6: Beasts of earth, man
24And the Gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living creature after
his kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their
kind; and it was so, as they had said.
25And the Gods organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their
kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the
earth after its kind; and the Gods saw they would obey.
26And the Gods took counsel among themselves and said:
Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness; and we will
give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing
that creeps upon the earth.
27So the Gods went down to organize man in their own image, in the image
of the Gods to form they him, male and female to form they them.
28And the Gods said, "We will bless them." And the Gods said:
We will cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth,
and subdue it, and to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
29And the Gods said:
Behold, we will give them every herb bearing seed that shall come upon
the face of all the earth, and every tree which shall have fruit upon it;
yea, the fruit of the tree
yielding seed to them we will give it; it shall be for their meat.
30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to
every thing that creepeth upon the earth, behold, we will give them life,
and also we will give to them every green herb for meat, and all these
things shall be thus organized.
31And the Gods said:
We will do everything that we have said, and organize them; and behold,
they shall be very obedient.
And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning they called
night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that
they called day; and they numbered the sixth time.
Day 7: Rest
5
1And thus we will finish the heavens and the earth, and all the hosts of
them.
2And the Gods said among themselves:
On the seventh time we will end our work, which we have counseled; and
we will rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled.
3And the Gods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the seventh
time they would rest from all their works which they (the Gods) counseled
among themselves to form; and sanctified it.
The garden of Eden
And thus were their decisions at the time that they counseled among themselves
to form the heavens and the earth.
4And the Gods came down and formed these the generations of the heavens
and of the earth, when they were formed in the day that the Gods formed
the earth and the heavens,
5according to all that which they had said concerning every plant of the
field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it
grew; for the Gods had not caused it to rain upon the earth when they counseled
to do them, and had not
formed a man to till the ground.
6But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of
the ground.
7And
the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that
is, the man's spirit), and put it into him; and breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life, and man
became a living soul.
8And the Gods planted a garden, eastward in Eden, and there they put the
man, whose spirit they had put into the body which they had formed.
9And out of the ground made the Gods to grow every tree that is pleasant
to the sight and good for food; the tree of life, also, in the midst of
the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
10There was a river running out of Eden, to water the garden, and from thence
it was parted and became into four heads.
Commandments
11And the Gods took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden, to dress
it and to keep it.
12And the Gods commanded the man, saying:
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat,
13but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it;
for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.
Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after
the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his
reckoning.
14And the Gods said:
Let us make an help meet for the man,
for it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form
an help meet for him.
15And the Gods caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and he slept, and
they took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in the stead thereof;
16and of the rib which the Gods had taken from man, formed they a woman,
and brought her unto the man.
17And Adam said:
This was bone of my bones,
and flesh of my flesh;
now she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of man;
18Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave
unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.
19And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
20And out of the ground the Gods formed every beast of the field, and every
fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them;
and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should be the name
thereof.
21And Adam gave names to all cattle, to the fowl of the air, to every beast
of the field; and for Adam, there was found an help meet for him.
1. The Angel of the Lord.
2. Abraham fastened upon an altar.
3. The idolatrous priest of Elkenah attempting to offer up Abraham as a sacrifice.
4. The altar for sacrifice by the idolatrous priests, standing before the gods of Elkenah, Libnah, Mahmackrah, Korash, and Pharaoh.
5. The idolatrous god of Elkenah.
6. The idolatrous god of Libnah.
7. The idolatrous god of Mahmackrah.
8. The idolatrous god of Korash.
9. The idolatrous god of Pharaoh.
10. Abraham in Egypt.
11. Designed to represent the pillars of heaven, as understood by the Egyptians.
12. Raukeeyang, signifying expanse, or the firmament over our heads; but in this case, in relation to this subject, the Egyptians meant it to signify Shaumau, to be high, or the heavens, answering to the Hebrew word, Shaumahyeem.
1. Kolob, signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or the
residence of God.
First in government, the last pertaining to the measurement of time. The
measurement according to celestial time, which celestial time signifies
one day to a cubit. One day in Kolob is equal to a thousand years according
to the measurement of this earth, which is called by the Egyptians Jah-oh-eh.
2. Stands next to Kolob, called by the Egyptians Oliblish, which is the next
grand governing creation near to the celestial or the place where God resides;
holding the
key of power also, pertaining to other planets; as revealed from God to
Abraham, as he offered sacrifice upon an altar, which he had built unto
the Lord.
3. Is made to represent God, sitting upon his throne, clothed with power
and
authority; with a crown of eternal light upon his head; representing also
the grand Key-words of the Holy Priesthood, as revealed to Adam in the
Garden of Eden, as also to Seth, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, and all to
whom the Priesthood was
revealed.
4. Answers to the Hebrew word Raukeeyang, signifying expanse, or the firmament
of the heavens; also a numerical figure, in Egyptian signifying one thousand;
answering to the measuring of the time of Oliblish, which is equal with
Kolob in its revolution and in its measuring of time.
5. Is called in Egyptian Enish-go-on-dosh; this is one of the governing planets
also, and is said by the Egyptians to be the Sun, and to borrow its light
from Kolob through the medium of Kae-e-vanrash, which is the grand Key,
or, in other words, the governing power, which governs fifteen other fixed
planets or stars, as also
Floeese or the Moon, the Earth and the Sun in their annual revolutions.
This planet receives its power through the medium of Kli-flos-is-es, or
Hah-ko-kau-beam, the stars represented by numbers 22 and 23, receiving
light from the revolutions of Kolob.
6. Represents this earth in its four quarters.
7. Represents God sitting upon his throne, revealing through the heavens
the grand
Key-words of the Priesthood; as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost unto
Abraham, in the form of a dove.
8. Contains writings that cannot be revealed unto the world; but is to be
had in the Holy Temple of God.
9. Ought not to be revealed at the present time.
10. Ought not to be revealed at the present time.
11. Also. If the world can find out these numbers, so let it be.Amen.
Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 will be given in the
own due time of the Lord.
The above translation is given as far as we have any right to give at
the present time.
1. Abraham sitting upon Pharaoh's throne, by the politeness of the king,
with a
crown upon his head, representing the Priesthood, as emblematical of the
grand Presidency in Heaven; with the scepter of justice and judgment in
his hand.
2. King Pharaoh, whose name is given in the characters above his head.
3. Signifies Abraham in Egypt as given also in Figure 10 of Facsimile No. 1.
4. Prince of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, as written above the hand.
5. Shulem, one of the king's principal waiters, as represented by the characters above his hand.
6. Olimlah, a slave belonging to the prince.
7. Abraham is reasoning upon the principles of Astronomy, in the king's court.
MATTHEW 25 - INSPIRED VERSION
1
1For I say unto you, that ye shall not see me henceforth and know that
I am he of whom it is written by the prophets, until ye shall say:
Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord, in the clouds of heaven,
and all the holy angels with him.
Then understood his disciples that he should come again on the earth,
after that he was glorified and crowned on the right hand of God.
2And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and his disciples came
to him, for to hear him, saying:
Master, show us concerning the buildings of the temple, as thou hast said:
They shall be thrown down, and left unto you desolate.
3And Jesus said unto them:
See ye not all these things, and do ye not understand them? Verily I say
unto you, there shall not be left here, upon this temple, one stone upon
another that shall not be thrown down.
After the first coming
4And Jesus left them, and went upon the Mount of Olives. And as he sat
upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying:
Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the
destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the sign of thy coming,
and of the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, which is
the end of the world?
5And Jesus answered, and said unto them:
Take heed that no man deceive you;
6for many shall come in my name, saying-"I am Christ"-and shall deceive many;
7then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and
ye shall be hated of all nations, for my name's sake;
8and then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall
hate one another;
9and many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;
10and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold;
11but he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be
saved.
12When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of
by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you
shall stand in the holy place; whoso readeth let him understand.
13Then let them who are in Judea flee into the mountains;
14let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out
of his house;
15Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes;
16and wo unto them that are with child, and unto them that give suck in
those days;
17therefore, pray ye the Lord that your flight be not in the winter, neither
on the
Sabbath day;
18For then, in those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews, and upon
the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was not before sent upon Israel,
of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever
shall be sent again upon Israel.
19All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows
which shall come upon them.
20And except those days should be shortened, there
should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake, according
to the covenant,
those days shall be shortened.
21Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews.
Before the second coming
And again, after the tribulation of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem,
if any man shall say unto you, "Lo, here is Christ," or "There;" believe
him not;
22for in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets,
and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they
shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
23Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect's sake; and you also
shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for
all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.
24Behold, I have told you before;
25wherefore, if they shall say unto you, "Behold, he is in the desert;"
go not forth. "Behold, he is in the secret chambers;" believe it not.
26For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even
unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of
the Son of Man be.
27And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is,
there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect
be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.
28And they shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars.
29Behold I speak for mine elect's sake.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there
shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
30And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax cold;
but he that shall not be
overcome, the same shall be saved.
31And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world,
for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction
of the wicked;
32and again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the
prophet, be fulfilled.
33And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened,
the sun shall be darkened,
and the moon shall not give her light,
and the stars shall fall from heaven,
and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
34Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be
shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.
35Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet
my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.
36And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers
of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of
Man in heaven, and
then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son
of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;
37and whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of
Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great
sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
38Now learn a parable of the fig tree-When its branches are yet tender,
and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;
39so likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall
know that he is near, even at the doors;
40But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in
heaven, but my Father only.
41But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of
the Son of Man;
42for it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the
flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage;
43and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also
the coming of the Son of Man be.
44Then shall be
fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days:
Two shall be in the field,
the one shall be taken, and the other left.
45Two shall be grinding at the mill,
the one shall be taken, and the other left.
46And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you
know not at what hour your Lord does come.
47But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the
thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his
house to have been broken up, but would have been ready.
48Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son
of Man comes.
49Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler
over his household, to give them meat in due season?
50Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he comes, shall find so doing;
and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
51But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, "My lord delayeth his
coming,"
52and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with
the drunken,
53the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him,
and in an hour that he is not aware of,
54and shall cut him asunder, and shall appoint him his portion with the
hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
55And thus cometh the end of the wicked, according to the prophecy of Moses,
saying:
They shall be cut off from among the people;
but the end of the earth is not yet, but by and by.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
1
1We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and
in the Holy Ghost.
2We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's
transgression.
3We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved,
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4We believe that
these ordinancesChanged in 1902
the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel
are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third,
Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands
for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying
on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer
in the ordinances
thereof.
6We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church,
namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8We believe the BIBLE
to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe
the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
to be the word of God.
9We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and
we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to the Kingdom of God.
10We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of
the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon
thisChanged in 1851 UK edition
the American
continent; that Christ will
reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and
receive its paradisiacal glory.
11We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates
of our
Added in 1902
own
conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how,
where, or what they may.
12We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in
doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition
of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many
things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these
things.
APPENDIX
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY - 1832 ACCOUNT
1
A history of the life of Joseph Smith, Jr. An account of his marvelous experience and of all the
mighty acts which he does in the name of Jesus Christ the son of the living God, of whom he bears
record. And also an account of the rise of the church of Christ in the eve of time according as the
Lord brought forth and established by his hand.
Firstly he receiving the testimony from on high
Secondly the ministering of Angels
Thirdly the reception of the holy Priesthood by the ministering of angels
to administer the letter of the Gospel-the Law and commandments as they were
given unto him-and in the ordinances
Fourthly a confirmation and reception of the high Priesthood after the
holy order of the son of the living God power and ordinance from on high
to preach the Gospel in the administration and demonstration of the spirit
the Keys of the Kingdom of God conferred upon him
and the continuation of the blessings of God to him, etc.
I was born in the town of Sharon in the State of Vermont, North America
on the twenty- third day of December AD 1805 of goodly parents who spared
no pains to instructing me in the Christian religion. At the age of about
ten years my Father Joseph Smith, Sr. moved to Palmyra, Ontario County
in the State of New York and being in indigent
circumstances were obliged to labor hard for the support of a large family
having nine
children. And as it required their exertions of all that were able to
render any assistance for the support of the family therefore we were deprived
of the benefit of an education.
Suffice it to say I was merely instructed in reading and writing and the
ground rules of arithmetic which constituted my whole literary acquirements.
At about the age of twelve years my mind become seriously impressed with
regard to the all-important concerns of for the well fare of my immortal
soul which led me to searching the scriptures believing as I was taught,
that they contained the word of God. Thus
applying myself to them and my intimate acquaintance with those of different
denominations led me to marvel exceedingly. For I discovered that they
did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and Godly conversation agreeable
to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to
my soul thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen.
I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world,
of mankind, the contentions, and divisions, the wickedness, and abominations,
and the darkness which pervaded the of the minds of mankind. My mind become
exceedingly distressed for I become convicted of my sins and by searching
the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that
they had apostatized from the true and living faith and there was no society
or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded
in the New Testament. And I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins
of the world for I learned in the scriptures that God was the same yesterday
to day and forever that he was no respecter to persons for he was God.
For I looked upon the sun the glorious luminary of the earth and also the
moon rolling in their majesty through the heavens and also the stars shining
in their courses and the earth also upon which I stood and the beast of
the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters and also man
walking forth upon the face of the earth in majesty and in the strength
of beauty whose power and intelligence in governing the things which are
so exceeding great and marvelous even in the likeness of
him who created them and when I considered upon these things my heart
exclaimed well has the wise man said: It is a fool that says in his heart
there is no God.
My heart exclaimed all these bear testimony and bespeak an omnipotent
and omnipresent power, a being who maketh laws and decrees and binds all
things in their bounds, who fills eternity who was and is and will be from
all eternity to eternity and when I considered all these things and that
that being seeks such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth
therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom
I could go and to obtain mercy.
And the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in the attitude
of calling upon the Lord in the 16th
year of my age a pillar of fire light above the brightness of the sun
at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with
the Spirit of God and the Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the
Lord. And he spake unto me
saying:
Joseph my son thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way walk in my statutes
and keep my commandments. Behold I am the Lord of glory. I was crucified
for the world that all those who believe on my name may have eternal life.
Behold the world lies in sin and at this time and none does good, no not
one. They have turned aside from the gospel and keep not my commandments.
They draw near to me with their lips while their hearts are far from me
and mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit
them according to their ungodliness and to bring to pass that which has
been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and apostles. Behold and lo I
come quickly, as it is written of me, in the cloud clothed in the glory
of my Father.
And my soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with
great joy and the Lord was with me, but could find none that would believe
the heavenly vision.
Nevertheless, I pondered these things in my heart.
But after many days I fell into transgressions and sinned in many things
which brought a wound upon my soul. And there were many things which transpired
that cannot be
written. And my father's family have suffered many persecutions and afflictions.
And it came to pass when I was seventeen years of age I called again upon
the Lord and he shewed unto me a heavenly vision.
For behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before me. And it was by
night and he called me by name and he said the Lord had forgiven me my
sins. And he revealed unto
me that in the Town of Manchester, Ontario County, NY there was plates
of gold upon which there was engravings which was engraven by Moroni &
his fathers, the servants of the living God in ancient days, and deposited
by the commandments of God and kept by the power thereof and that I should
go and get them. And he revealed unto me many things concerning the inhabitants
of the earth which since have been revealed in commandments & revelations.
And it was on the 22nd
day of September AD 1822.
And thus he appeared unto me three times in one night and once on the
next day. And then I immediately went to the place and found where the
plates was deposited as the angel of the Lord had commanded me and straightway
made three attempts to get them and then being exceedingly frightened I
supposed it had been a dream of vision but when I considered I knew that
it was not therefore I cried unto the Lord in the agony of my soul, "Why
can I not obtain them?"
Behold the angel appeared unto me again and said unto me, "You have not
kept the commandments of the Lord which I gave unto you, therefore you
cannot now obtain them. For the time is not yet fulfilled therefore thou
wast left unto temptation that thou
mightest be made acquainted of with the power of the advisory. Therefore
repent and call on the Lord. Thou shalt be forgiven and in his own due
time thou shalt obtain them."
For now I had been tempted of the adversary and sought the plates to obtain
riches and kept not the commandment that I should have an eye single to
the glory of God.
Therefore I was chastened and sought diligently to obtain the plates and
obtained them not until I was twenty-one years of age.
And in this year I was married to Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac Hale, who
lived in Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania on the 18th
January AD, 1827.
On the 22nd
day of September of this same year I obtained the plates-and in the
December following we moved to Susquehanna by the assistance of a man
by the name of Martin Harris, who became convinced of the vision and gave
me fifty dollars to bear my expenses. And because of his faith and this
righteous deed the Lord appeared unto him in a vision and shewed unto him
his marvelous work which he was about to do.
And he immediately came to Susquehanna and said the Lord had shown him
that he must go to New York City with some of the characters so we proceeded
to copy some of them. And he took his journey to the Eastern Cities and
to the learned saying, "Read this I pray thee." And the learned said, "I
cannot," but if he would bring the plates they would read it. But the Lord
had forbid it. And he returned to me and gave them to me to translate.
And I said, "I cannot for I am not learned. But the Lord had prepared
spectacles for to
read the book." Therefore, I commenced translating the characters and
thus the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled which is written in the 29th
chapter concerning the book.
And it came to pass that after we had translated 116 pages that he desired
to carry them to read to his friends that peradventure he might convince
them of the truth. Therefore I inquired of the Lord and the Lord said unto
me that he must not take them. And I spake unto him (Martin) the word of
the Lord. And he said inquire again. And I inquired again and also the
third time. And the Lord said unto me, "Let him go with them, only he shall
covenant with me that he will not shew them to only but four persons."
And he
covenanted with the Lord that he would do according to the word of the
Lord.
Therefore he took them and took his journey unto his friends to Palmyra,
Wayne County & State of New York. And he brake the covenant which he
made before the Lord. And the Lord suffered the writings to fall into the
hands of wicked men. And Martin was
chastened for his transgression. And I also was chastened also for my
transgression for asking the Lord the third time, wherefore the Plates
was taken from me by the power of God and I was not able to obtain them
for a season. And it came to pass after much
humility and affliction of soul I obtained them again when Lord appeared
unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowdery and shewed unto him the
plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was
about to do through me, his unworthy
servant. Therefore he was desirous to come and write for me and to translate.
Now my wife had written some for me to translate and also my brother Samuel
H Smith but we
had become reduced in property. And my wife's father was about to turn
me out of doors and I had not where to go. And I cried unto the Lord that
he would provide for me to
accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me.
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY - 1835 ACCOUNT
1
Being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking
upon at the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who
was right or who was
wrong. And considering it of the first importance that I should be right,
in matters that involved eternal consequences; being thus perplexed in
mind I retired to the silent grove and bowed down before the Lord, under
a realizing sense that he had said (if the BIBLE
be true), ask and you shall receive; knock and it shall be opened; seek
and you shall find. And again, if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God
who gives to all men liberally and
upbraids not.
Information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination
to obtain it, I called upon the Lord for the first time, in the place above
stated. Or in other words I made a fruitless attempt to pray, my tongue
seemed to be swollen in my mouth, so that I could not utter.
I heard a noise behind me, like some person walking towards me. I strove
again to pray, but could not. The noise of walking seemed to draw nearer.
I sprung up on my feet, and looked around, but saw no person or thing that
was calculated to produce the noise of
walking. I kneeled again. My mouth was opened and my tongue liberated,
and I called on the Lord in mighty prayer.
A pillar of fire appeared above my head, it presently rested down upon
my head, and filled me with joy unspeakable. A personage appeared in the
midst of this pillar of flame which was spread all around, and yet nothing
consumed. Another personage soon appeared like
unto the first. He said unto me, "Thy sins are forgiven thee." He testified
unto me that Jesus Christ is the son of God. And I saw many angels in this
vision.
I was about 14 years old when I received this first communication. When
I was about 17 years old I saw another vision of angels, in the night season
after I had retired to bed. I had not been asleep, when but was meditating
upon my past life and experience, I was very conscious that I had not kept
the commandments, and I repented heartily for all my sins and transgression,
and humbled myself before Him; whose eyes are over all things.
All at once the room was illuminated above the brightness of the sun.
An angel appeared before me, his hands and feet were naked pure and white,
and he stood between the floors of the room, clothed with in purity inexpressible.
He said unto me, "I am a messenger sent from God. Be faithful and keep
his commandments in all things." He told me of a sacred
record which was written on plates of gold. I saw in the vision the place
where they were deposited. He said the Indians were the literal descendants
of Abraham.
He explained many things of the prophesies to me. One I will mention which
is this, in Malachi 4: Behold the day of the Lord comes, etc. Also that
the Urim and Thumim was hid up with the record, and that God would give
me power to translate it, with the assistance of this instrument. He then
gradually vanished out of my sight, or the vision
closed. While meditating on what I had seen, the angel appeared to me
again and related the same things and much more. Also the third time bearing
the same tidings, and
departed. During the time I was in this vision I did not realize anything
else around me
except what was shown me in this communication. After the vision had all
passed, I found that it was nearly daylight. The family soon arose, I got
up also.
On that day while in the field at work with my Father he asked me if I
was sick. I replied I had but little strength. He told me to go to the
house. I started and went part way and
was finally deprived of my strength and fell. But how long I remained
I do not know. The angel came to me again and commanded me to go and tell
my father what I had seen and heard. I did so. He wept and told me that
it was a vision from God to attend to it.
I went and found the place, where the plates were, according to the direction
of the angel, also saw them, and the angel as before. The powers of darkness
strove hard against me. I
called on God. The angel told me that the reason why I could not obtain
the plates at this time was because I was under transgression, but to come
again in one year from that time. I did so, but did not obtain them. Also
the third and the fourth year, at which time I obtained them, and translated
them into the English language; by the gift and power of God and have been
preaching it ever since.
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY - 1838 ACCOUNT
1
1Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed
and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed by
the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its
progress in the world-I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse
the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in
possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to
myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession.
2In this history I shall present the various
events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness, as they
have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now [1838] the eighth
year since the organization of the said Church.
3I was born in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five,
on the twenty- third day of December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor county,
State of Vermont...My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., left the State of Vermont,
and moved to Palmyra, Ontario (now Wayne) county, in the State of New York,
when I was in my tenth year, or
thereabouts. In about four years after my father's arrival in Palmyra,
he moved with his family into Manchester in the same county of Ontario-
4his family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father, Joseph Smith;
my mother, Lucy Smith (whose name, previous to her marriage, was Mack,
daughter of Solomon Mack); my brothers, Alvin (who died November 19
th
1823, in the 26th
year of his age), Hyrum, myself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos;
and my sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy.
5Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was
in the place
where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced
with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that
region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected
by it, and great multitudes united
themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small
stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo, here!" and others,
"Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the
Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
6For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different
faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested
by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this
extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in
order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let
them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off,
some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good
feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than
real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued-
priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that
all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely
lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions.
7I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father's family was proselyted
to the
Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother,
Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.
8During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious
reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often
poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended
their several meetings as often as occasion would permit.
In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect,
and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion
and strife among the
different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as
I was, and so
unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who
was right and who was wrong.
9My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great
and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists
and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to
prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in
error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were
equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and
disprove all others.
10In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said
to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or,
are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it,
and how shall I know it?
11While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests
of these parties of religionists, I was one day
reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads:
James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of
man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force
into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing
that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did
not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never
know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the
same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence
in settling the question by an appeal to the BIBLE.
13At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness
and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God.
I at length came to the determination to "ask of God," concluding that
if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and
would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
14So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired
to the woods to make the attempt.
The vision in the grove
It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of
eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had
made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made
the attempt to pray vocally.
15After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go,
having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began
to offer up the desires of my heart to God.
I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power
which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over
me as to bind my
tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and
it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
16But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the
power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when
I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to
destruction-not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual
being from the
unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt
in any being-just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light
exactly over my head, above the
brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which
held me bound.
When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and
glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake
unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other:
This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
18My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the
sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore,
did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked
the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects
was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all
were
wrong)-and which I should join.
19I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong;
and the
Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination
in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that:
Isaiah 29:13They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,
they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness,
but they deny the power thereof.
20He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did
he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.
When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking
up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon
recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace,
mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well-I
am well enough off." I then said to my mother, "I have learned for myself
that Presbyterianism is not true."
Persecution
It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of
my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his
kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why
the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?
21Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with
one of the
Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious
excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took
occasion to give him an
account of the vision which I had had.
I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not
only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil,
that there were no such things as
visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased
with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them.
22I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal
of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause
of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an
obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances
in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of
high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against
me, and create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all the
sects-all united to persecute me.
23It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how
very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years
of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty
maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient
importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular
sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most
bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it
was often the
cause of great sorrow to myself.
24However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have
thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before
King Agrippa, and related the
account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but
still there were
but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was
mad; and he
was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of
his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution
under heaven could not make it
otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew,
and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and
heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think
or believe otherwise.
25So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that
light I saw two
Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated
and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and
while they were persecuting me,
reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so
saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the
truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand
God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen?
For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I
could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing
I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
26I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned-that
it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until
further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true-that a
man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.
27I continued to pursue my common vocations in life until the twenty-first
of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, all the time
suffering severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious
and irreligious, because I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision.
28During the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision
and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three-having been forbidden to
join any of the
religious sects of the day, and being of very tender years, and persecuted
by those who ought to have been my friends and to have treated me kindly,
and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and
affectionate manner to have reclaimed me-I was left to all kinds of temptations;
and, mingling with all kinds of society, I
frequently fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the weakness of
youth, and the foibles of human nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me
into divers temptations,
offensive in the sight of God. In making this confession, no one need
suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins. A disposition to commit
such was never in my nature. But I was guilty of levity, and sometimes
associated with jovial company, etc., not consistent
with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was called
of God as I had been. But this will not seem very strange to anyone who
recollects my youth, and is
acquainted with my native cheery temperament.
An angel visits in the night
29In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weakness
and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first
of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself
to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins
and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my
state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a
divine manifestation, as I previously had one.
30While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light
appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter
than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing
in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
31He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness
beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly
thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands
were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were
his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and
neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on
but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
32Not only was his robe
exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description,
and his
countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but
not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked
upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
33He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from
the presence of God to me, and that his name was
Nephi
Moroni
; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for
good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should
be both good and evil spoken of among all people.
34He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an
account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from
whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel
was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;
35also, that there were two stones in silver bows-and these stones, fastened
to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim-deposited
with the
plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted
"seers" in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for
the purpose of translating the book.
36After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of
the Old
Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he
quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with
a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting
the first verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus:
Malachi 4:1
37For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud,
yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; for they that come
shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither
root nor branch.
38And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus:
Malachi 4:5Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the
prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
39He also quoted the next verse differently:
Malachi 4:6And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to
the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.
40In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah, saying
that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of
Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third
verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that
prophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when "they who would not
hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon would
come.
41He also quoted the second
chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said
that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated
that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other
passages of scripture, and offered many
explanations which cannot be mentioned here.
42Again, he told me, that when I got those plates of which he had spoken-for
the time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled-I should not
show them to any person; neither the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim;
only to those to whom I should be commanded to show them; if I did I should
be destroyed. While he was conversing with
me about the plates, the vision was opened to my mind that I could see
the place where the plates were deposited, and that so clearly and distinctly
that I knew the place again when I visited it.
43After this communication, I saw the light in the room begin to gather
immediately around the person of him who had been speaking to me, and it
continued to do so until the room was again left dark, except just around
him; when, instantly I saw, as it were, a conduit open right up into heaven,
and he ascended till he entirely disappeared, and the room was left as
it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance.
44I lay musing on the singularity of the scene, and marveling greatly at
what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger; when, in the
midst of my meditation, I suddenly discovered that my room was again beginning
to get lighted, and in an instant, as it were, the same heavenly messenger
was again by my bedside.
45He commenced, and again
related the very same things which he had done at his first visit, without
the least
variation; which having done, he informed me of great judgments which
were coming upon the earth, with great desolations by famine, sword, and
pestilence; and that these grievous judgments would come on the earth in
this generation. Having related these things, he again ascended as he had
done before.
46By this time, so deep were the
impressions made on my mind, that sleep had fled from my eyes, and I lay
overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard.
But what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my
bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things
as before; and added a
caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence
of the
indigent circumstances of my father's family), to get the plates for the
purpose of getting rich. This he forbade me, saying that I must have no
other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must
not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom;
otherwise I could not get them.
47After this third visit, he again
ascended into heaven as before, and I was again left to ponder on the
strangeness of what I had just experienced; when almost immediately after
the heavenly messenger had
ascended from me for the third time, the cock crowed, and I found that
day was approaching, so that our interviews must have occupied the whole
of that night.
Meetings on the hill
48I shortly after arose from my bed, and, as usual, went to the necessary
labors of the day; but, in attempting to work as at other times, I found
my strength so exhausted as to render me entirely unable. My father, who
was laboring along with me, discovered something to be wrong with me, and
told me to go home. I started with the intention of going to the house;
but, in attempting to cross the fence out of the field where we were, my
strength entirely failed me, and I fell helpless on the ground, and for
a time was quite unconscious of anything.
49The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me, calling
me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger standing over my
head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all
that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to go to
my father and tell him of the vision and
commandments which I had received.
50I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole
matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and
do as commanded by the messenger.
I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me
the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision
which I had had concerning it, I
knew the place the instant that I arrived there.
51Convenient to the village of Manchester, Ontario county, New York, stands
a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of any
in the neighborhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the top,
under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, deposited in a stone
box. This stone was thick and
rounding in the middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges,
so that the middle part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge
all around was covered with
earth.
52Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I got fixed under
the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it up.
I looked in, and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and Thummim,
and the breastplate, as stated by the messenger. The box in which they
lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. In the
bottom of the box were laid two stones
crossways of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other
things with them.
53I made an attempt to take them out, but was forbidden by the messenger,
and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth had not yet
arrived, neither would it, until four years from that time; but he told
me that I should come to that place precisely in one year from that time,
and that he would there meet with me, and that I should continue to do
so until the time should come for obtaining the plates.
54Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year,
and at each time I found the same messenger there, and received instruction
and intelligence from him at each of our interviews, respecting what the
Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be
conducted in the last days.
The gold plates
55As my father's worldly circumstances were very limited, we were under
the necessity of laboring with our hands, hiring out by day's work and
otherwise, as we could get opportunity. Sometimes we were at home, and
sometimes abroad, and by continuous
labor were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance.
56In the year 1823 my father's
family met with a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother,
Alvin. In the month of October, 1825, I hired with an old gentleman by
the name of Josiah Stoal, who lived in Chenango county, State of New York.
He had heard something of a silver mine having been opened by the Spaniards
in Harmony, Susquehanna county, State of Pennsylvania; and had, previous
to my hiring to him, been digging, in order, if possible, to discover the
mine. After I went to live with him, he took me, with the rest of his hands,
to dig for the silver mine, at which I continued to work for nearly a month,
without success in our
undertaking, and finally I prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging
after it. Hence arose the very prevalent story of my having been a money-digger.
57During the time that I was thus employed, I was put to board with a Mr.
Isaac Hale, of that place; it was there I first saw my wife (his daughter),
Emma Hale. On the 18th
of January, 1827, we were married, while I was yet employed in the service
of Mr. Stoal.
58Owing to my continuing to assert that I had seen a vision, persecution
still followed me, and my wife's father's family were very much opposed
to our being married. I was,
therefore, under the necessity of taking her elsewhere; so we went and
were married at the house of Squire Tarbill, in South Bainbridge, Chenango
county, New York. Immediately after my marriage, I left Mr. Stoal's, and
went to my father's, and farmed with him that season.
59At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummim,
and the breastplate. On the twenty-second day of September, one thousand
eight hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the end of another
year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger
delivered them up to me with this charge: that I should be responsible
for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or through
any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all
my endeavors to
preserve them, until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should
be protected.
60I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to
keep them safe, and why it was that the messenger had said that when I
had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them. For no sooner
was it known that I had them, than the most strenuous exertions were used
to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be
invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more
bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually
to get them from me if possible.
But by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands, until I had
accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according to arrangements,
the messenger
called for them, I delivered them up to him; and he has them in his charge
until this day, being the second day of May, one thousand eight hundred
and thirty-eight.
Translating
61The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with her thousand
tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's
family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth part of them,
it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became so intolerable
that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and going with my
wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania. While
preparing to start-being very poor, and the persecution so heavy upon
us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise-in the
midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of
Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on
our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county,
in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability.
62By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination
in Pennsylvania; and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying
the characters off the plates.
I copied a considerable number of them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim
I translated some of them, which I did between the time I arrived at the
house of my wife's father, in the month of December, and the February following.
63Sometime in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris
came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off the plates,
and started with them to the city of New York. For
what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer to his own
account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after his return,
which was as follows:
64I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had
been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon,
a gentleman
celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that
the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated
from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated,
and he said that they were Egyptian,
Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters.
He gave me a
certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters,
and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also
correct.
I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving
the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man
found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them.
I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.
65He then said to me, "Let me see that certificate."
I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took
it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering
of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate
them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was
forbidden to bring them. He replied, "I cannot
read a sealed book." I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned
what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.
The Priesthood of Aaron
66On the 5th
day of April, 1829, Oliver Cowdery came to my house, until which time
I had never seen him. He stated to me that having been teaching school
in the neighborhood where my father resided, and my father being one of those
who sent to the school, he went to board for a season at his house, and
while there the family related to him the circumstances of my having received
the plates, and accordingly he had come to make inquiries of me.
67Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery (being the
7th
of April) I commenced to translate the
BOOK
OF
MORMON, and he began to write for me.
* * *
68We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month
(May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire
of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found
mentioned in the translation of the plates.
While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger
from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon
us, he ordained us, saying:
69Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood
of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the
gospel of
repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and
this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do
offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
70He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for
the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter;
and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that
I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize
me.
71Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards
he baptized me-after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him
to the Aaronic
Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to
the same Priesthood-for so we were commanded.*
72The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood
upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the
Baptist in the New
Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John,
who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he
said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called
the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was
on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand
of this messenger, and baptized.
73Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized,
we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father. No
sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell upon him,
and he stood up and
prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass. And again, so
soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had the spirit of prophecy,
when, standing up, I prophesied concerning the rise of this Church, and
many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the
children of men. We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and
rejoiced in the God of our salvation.
74Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid
open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of
their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never
could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of.
In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having
received the Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit
of persecution which had
already manifested itself in the neighborhood.
75We had been threatened with being mobbed, from time to time, and this,
too, by professors of religion. And their intentions of mobbing us were
only counteracted by the influence of my wife's father's family (under
Divine providence), who had become very friendly to me, and who were opposed
to mobs, and were willing that I should be allowed to continue the work
of translation
without interruption; and therefore offered and promised us protection
from all unlawful proceedings, as far as in them lay.
*Oliver Cowdery describes these events thus:
These were days never to be forgotten-to sit under the sound of a voice
dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of
this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his
mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites
would have said, "Interpreters," the history or
record called the
BOOK
OF
MORMON.
To notice, in even few words, the interesting account given by Mormon
and his faithful son, Moroni, of a people once beloved and favored of heaven,
would
supersede my present design; I shall therefore defer this to a future
period, and, as I said in the introduction, pass more directly to some
few incidents immediately connected with the rise of this Church, which
may be entertaining to some thousands who have stepped forward, amid the
frowns of bigots and the calumny of hypocrites, and embraced the Gospel
of Christ.
No men, in their sober senses, could translate and write the directions
given to the Nephites from the mouth of the Savior, of the precise manner
in which men should build up His Church, and especially when corruption
had spread an uncertainty over all forms and systems practiced among men,
without desiring a privilege of showing the willingness of the heart by
being buried in the liquid grave, to answer a 'good conscience by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ.'
After writing the account given of the Savior's ministry to the remnant
of the seed of Jacob, upon this continent, it was easy to be seen, as the
prophet said it would be, that darkness covered the earth and gross darkness
the minds of the people. On reflecting further it was as easy to be seen
that amid the great strife and noise concerning
religion, none had authority from God to administer the ordinances of
the Gospel. For the question might be asked, have men authority to administer
in the name of Christ, who deny revelations, when His testimony is no less
than the spirit of prophecy, and His religion based, built, and sustained
by immediate revelations, in all ages of the
world when He has had a people on earth? If these facts were buried, and
carefully concealed by men whose craft would have been in danger if once
permitted to shine in the faces of men, they were no longer to us; and
we only waited for the commandment to be given 'Arise and be baptized.'
This was not long desired before it was realized. The Lord, who is rich
in mercy, and ever willing to answer the consistent prayer of the humble,
after we had called upon Him in a fervent manner, aside from the abodes
of men, condescended to manifest to us His will. On a sudden, as from the
midst of eternity, the voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us, while the
veil was parted and the angel of God came down clothed
with glory, and delivered the anxiously looked-for message, and the keys
of the Gospel of repentance. What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While
the world was racked and distracted-while millions were groping as the
blind for the wall, and while all men were resting upon uncertainty, as
a general mass, our eyes beheld, our ears heard, as in the 'blaze of day';
yes, more-above the glitter of the May sunbeam, which then shed its brilliancy
over the face of nature! Then his voice, though mild, pierced to the center,
and his words, 'I am thy fellow-servant,' dispelled every fear. We listened,
we gazed, we admired! 'Twas the voice of an angel from glory, 'twas a message
from the Most High! And as we heard we rejoiced, while His love enkindled
upon our souls, and we were wrapped in the vision of the Almighty! Where
was room for doubt? Nowhere; uncertainty had fled, doubt had sunk no more
to rise, while fiction and deception had fled forever!
But, dear brother, think, further think for a moment, what joy filled
our hearts, and with what surprise we must have bowed, (for who would not
have bowed the knee for such a blessing?) when we received under his hand
the Holy Priesthood as he said:
Upon you my fellow-servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer this Priesthood
and this authority, which shall remain upon earth, that the Sons of Levi
may yet offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness!
I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart, nor the
majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion; but you
will believe me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the eloquence of
time, cannot begin to clothe language in as interesting and sublime a manner
as this holy personage. No; nor has this earth power to give the joy, to
bestow the peace, or comprehend the wisdom which was contained in each
sentence as they were delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit! Man may
deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children
of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till
naught but
fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current
the giddy to the grave; but one touch with the finger of his love, yes,
one ray of glory from the upper world, or one word from the mouth of the
Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes it all into insignificance,
and blots it forever from the mind. The assurance that we
were in the presence of an angel, the certainty that we heard the voice
of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated
by the will of God, is to me past description, and I shall ever look upon
this expression of the Savior's goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while
I am permitted to tarry; and in those mansions where perfection dwells
and sin never comes, I hope to adore in that day
which shall never cease.
JOSEPH SMITH HISTORY - 1842 ACCOUNT
1
At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor, and Proprietor of the
Chicago Democrat
, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution,
and faith of the
Latter-Day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the
founder. Mr.
Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. George Barstow, a friend
of his, who is
writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Barstow
has taken the proper steps to obtain correct information all that I shall
ask at his hands, is, that he
publish the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation.
I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont, on the 23rd
of December, A.D. 1805. When ten years old my parents removed to Palmyra,
New York, where we resided about four years, and from thence we removed
to the town of Manchester. My father was a farmer and taught me the art
of husbandry.
When about fourteen years of age I began to reflect upon the importance
of being
prepared for a future state, and upon enquiring the plan of salvation
I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went
to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each
one pointing to his own particular creed as the
summum bonum
of perfection: considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the
author of so much confusion I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a church it would not be split up into factions, and that if he taught one
society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinances, he would not teach
another principles which were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God I had
confidence in the declaration of James; "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who
gives to all men liberally and upbraids not and it shall be given him,"
I retired to a secret place in a grove and began to call upon the Lord.
While fervently engaged in supplication my mind was taken away from the
objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly
vision and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other
in features, and likeness, surrounded with a brilliant
light which eclipsed the sun at noon-day. They told me that all religious
denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them
was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom. And I was expressly
commanded to "go not after them," at the same time receiving a promise
that the fulness of the gospel should at some future time be made known
unto me.
On the evening of the 21st
of September, A.D. 1823, while I was praying unto God, and endeavoring
to exercise faith in the precious promises of scripture on a sudden a light
like that of day, only of a far purer and more glorious appearance, and
brightness burst into the room, indeed the first sight was as though the
house was filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that
affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me surrounded
with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already
surrounded.
This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God sent to bring
the joyful tidings, that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel
was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming
of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for
the gospel in all its fulness to be preached in power unto all nations,
that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign.
I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God
to bring about some of his purposes in this glorious dispensation.
I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country,
and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their
origin, progress,
civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity,
and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people
was made known unto me. I was also told where there was deposited some
plates on which were engraven an abridgement of the records of the ancient
prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three
times the same night and unfolded the same things.
After having received many visits from the angels of God unfolding the
majesty, and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days,
on the morning of the 22nd
of September A.D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into
my hands.
These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold,
each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick
as common tin. They were
filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters and bound together in a
volume, as the
leaves of a book with three rings running through the whole. The volume
was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed.
The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved.
The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and
much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious
instrument which the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted
of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast
plate.
Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by
the gift, and power of God.
In this important and interesting book the history of ancient America
is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that came from the tower
of Babel, at the confusion of
languages to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era.
We are informed by these records that America in ancient times has been
inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites
and came directly from the tower of Babel. The second race came directly
from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ. They
were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites
were
destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who
succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation
of the second race fell in battle
towards the close of the fourth century. The remnant are the Indians that
now inhabit this country.
This book also tells us that our Savior made his appearance upon this
continent after his
resurrection, that he planted the gospel here in all its fulness, and
richness, and power, and blessing; that they had apostles, prophets, pastors,
teachers and evangelists; the same order, the same priesthood, the same
ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessing, as was enjoyed on the eastern
continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions,
that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to
write an
abridgement of their prophesies, history, etc., and to hide it up in the
earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the BIBLE
for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. For a
more particular account I would refer to the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
which can be purchased at Nauvoo, or from any of our travelling elders.
As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation
and slander flew as on the wings of the wind in every direction, the house
was frequently beset by mobs, and evil designing persons, several times
I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use
of to get the plates away from me, but the power and blessing of God attended
me, and several began to believe my testimony.
On the 6th
of April, 1830, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," was
first organized in the town of Manchester, Ontario co., state of New York.8
Some few were called and ordained by the spirit of revelation, and prophesy,
and began to preach as the
spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet were they strengthened
by the power of God, and many were brought to repentance, were immersed
in the water, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
They saw visions and prophesied, devils were cast out and the sick healed
by the laying on of hands. From that time the work
rolled forth with astonishing rapidity, and churches were soon formed
in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri;
in the last named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson
co.; numbers joined the church and we
were increasing rapidly; we made large purchases of land, our farms teemed
with plenty, and peace and happiness was enjoyed in our domestic circle
and throughout our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our
neighbors who were many of them
of the basest of men and had fled from the face of civilized society,
to the frontier country to escape the hand of justice, in their midnight
revels, their sabbath breaking, horseracing, and gambling, they commenced
at first ridicule, then to persecute, and finally an
organized mob assembled and burned our houses, tarred, and feathered,
and whipped many of our brethren and finally drove them from their habitations;
who houseless, and homeless, contrary to law, justice and humanity, had
to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their
blood on the prairie, this took place in the month of November, and they
had no other covering but the canopy of heaven, in this inclement season
of the year; this proceeding was winked at by the government and although
we had warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law we could obtain
no redress.
There were many sick, who were thus inhumanly driven from their houses,
and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes where they could be
found. The result was, that a great many of them being deprived of the
comforts of life, and the necessary attendances, died; many children were
left orphans; wives, widows; and husbands widowers. Our farms were taken
possession of by the mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses, and
hogs,
were taken and our household goods, store goods, and printing press, and
type were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed.
Many of our brethren removed to Clay where they continued until 1836,
three years; there was no violence offered but there were threatenings
of violence. But in the summer of 1836, these threatenings began to assume
a more serious form; from threats, public
meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and destruction
were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful attitude, Jackson
County was a sufficient precedent, and as the authorities in that county
did not interfere, they boasted that they would not in this, which on application
to the authorities we found to be too true, and after much
violence, privation and loss of property we were again driven from our
homes.
We next settled in Caldwell, and Daviess Counties, where we made large
and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from the power of
oppression, by settling in new counties, with very few inhabitants in them;
but here we were not allowed to live in peace, but in 1838 we were again
attacked by mobs an exterminating order was issued by Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs,
and under the sanction of law an organized banditti ranged
through the country, robbed us of our cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, etc.,
many of our people were murdered in cold blood, the chastity of our women
was violated, and we were
forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword, and after
enduring every
indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman, ungodly band of
marauders, from twelve to fifteen thousand souls men, women, and children
were driven from their own
fire sides, and from lands that they had warrantee deeds of, houseless,
friendless, and
homeless (in the depth of winter,) to wander as exiles on the earth or
to seek an asylum in a more genial clime, and among a less barbarous people.
Many sickened and died, in consequence of the cold, and hardships they
had to endure; many wives were left widows, and children orphans, and destitute.
It would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the injustice,
the wrongs, the murders, the bloodshed, the theft, misery and woe that
has been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and lawless, proceedings of
the state of Missouri.
In the situation before alluded to we arrived in the state of Illinois
in 1839, where we
found a hospitable people and a friendly home; a people who were willing
to be governed by the principles of law and humanity. We have commenced
to build a city called
"Nauvoo" in Hancock co., we number from six to eight thousand here besides
vast numbers in the county around and in almost every county of the state.
We have a city
charter granted us and a charter for a legion the troops of which now
number 1500. We have also a charter for a university, for an agricultural
and manufacturing society, have our own laws and administrators, and possess
all the privileges that other free and
enlightened citizens enjoy.
Persecution has not stopped the progress of truth, but has only added
fuel to the flame, it has spread with increasing rapidity, proud of the
cause which they have espoused and conscious of their innocence and of
the truth of their system amidst calumny and reproach have the elders of
this church gone forth, and planted the gospel in almost every state in
the Union; it has penetrated our cities, it has spread over our villages,
and has caused thousands of our intelligent, noble, and patriotic citizens
to obey its divine mandates, and be governed by its sacred truths. It has
also spread into England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales: in the year of 1839
where a few of our missionaries were sent over five thousand joined the
standard of truth, there are numbers now joining in every land.
Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany,
Palestine, New Holland, the East Indies, and other places, the standard
of truth has been erected: no
unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing, persecutions may rage,
mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth
of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated
every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded
in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be
accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and
in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that these ordinances are 1st,
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2nd,
Repentance; 3rd,
Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th,
Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophesy, and by laying
on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer
in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church,
viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophesy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, etc.
We believe the BIBLE to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe
the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and
we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to the kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of
the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ
will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed
and receive its paradisaic glory.
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates
of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege let them worship
how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in
doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition
of Paul "we believe all things we hope all things," we have endured many
things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous,
lovely, or of good report or praise worthy we seek after these things.
Respectfully, etc.
JOSEPH SMITH
ACCOUNT OF MORONI'S VISIT IN 1823
1
In 1835, Oliver Cowdery wrote a series of letters which were published
throughout the year in the
Messenger and Advocate
newspaper. Several of these letters provided a detailed account of Joseph's
experiences in September1823 when an angel visited him and told him about
the plates. This section contains key extracts from those letters.
February 1835, Letter IV
On the evening of the 21st
of September, 1823, previous to retiring to rest, our brother's mind was
unusually wrought up on the subject which had so long agitated his mind-his
heart was drawn out in fervent prayer, and his whole soul was so lost to
everything of a temporal nature, that earth, to him, had lost its charms,
and all he desired was to be
prepared in heart to commune with some kind messenger who could communicate
to him the desired information of his acceptance with God.
At length the family retired, and he, as usual, bent his way, though in
silence, where others might have rested their weary frames "locked fast
in sleep's embrace;" but repose had fled, and accustomed slumber had spread
her refreshing hand over others beside him- he continued still to pray-his
heart, though once hard and obdurate, was softened, and that mind which
had often flitted, like the "wild bird of passage," had settled upon a
determined basis not to be decoyed or driven from its purpose.
In this situation hours passed unnumbered-how many or how few I know not,
neither is he able to inform me; but supposes it must have been eleven
or twelve, and perhaps later, as the noise and bustle of the family, in
retiring, had long since ceased. While continuing in prayer for a manifestation
in some way that his sins were forgiven; endeavoring to
exercise faith in the scriptures, on a sudden a light like that of day,
only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness, burst
into the room. Indeed to use his own
description, the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming
and unquenchable fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as
must naturally be
expected, occasioned a shock or sensation, visible to the extremities
of the body. It was, however, followed with a calmness and serenity of
mind, and an overwhelming rapture of Joy that surpassed understanding,
and in a moment a personage stood before him.
Notwithstanding the room was previously filled with light above the brightness
of the sun, as I before described, yet there seemed to be an additional
glory surrounding or accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased
degree of brilliancy, of
which he was in the midst; and though his countenance was as lightning,
yet it was of a
pleasing, innocent and glorious appearance, so much so, that every fear
was banished from the heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul.
It is no easy task to describe the appearance of a messenger from the
skies-indeed, I doubt their being an individual clothed with perishable
clay, who is capable to do this work. To be sure, the Lord appeared to
his apostles after his resurrection, and we do not learn as they were in
the least difficultied to look upon him; but from John's description upon
Patmos, we learn that he is there represented as most glorious in appearance;
and from other items in the sacred scriptures we have the fact recorded
where angels appeared and conversed with men, and there was no difficulty
on the part of the individuals, to endure their presence; and others where
their glory was so conspicuous that they could not
endure. The last description or appearance is the one to which I refer,
when I say that it is no easy task to describe their glory.
But it may be well to relate the particulars as far as given. The stature
of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age;
his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without
seam.
Though fear was banished from his heart, yet his surprise was no less
when he heard him declare himself to be a messenger sent by commandment
of the Lord, to deliver a special message and to witness to him that his
sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard; and that the scriptures
might be fulfilled, which say:
1 Corinthians 1:27-29God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things
which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised,
has God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things
which are that no flesh
should glory in his presence.
Isaiah 29:14Therefore, says the LORD, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among
this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; the wisdom of their wise
shall perish, and the
understanding of their prudent shall be hid.
For according to his covenant which he made with his ancient saints, his
people, the house of Israel must come to a knowledge of the gospel, and
own that Messiah whom their fathers rejected, and with them the fulness
of the Gentiles be gathered in, to
rejoice in one fold under one Shepherd"
This cannot be brought about until first certain preparatory things are
accomplished, for so has the Lord purposed in his own mind. He has therefore
chosen you as an instrument in his hand to bring to light that which shall
perform his act, his strange
act, and bring to pass a marvelous work and a wonder. Wherever the sound
shall go it shall cause the ears of men to tingle, and wherever it shall
be proclaimed, the pure in heart shall rejoice, while those who draw near
to God with their mouths, and honor him with their lips, while their hearts
are far from him, will seek its overthrow, and the destruction of those
by whose hands it is carried. Therefore, marvel not if your name is made
a derision, and had as a by-word among such, if you are the instrument
in bringing it, by the gift of God, to the knowledge of the people.
He then proceeded and gave a general account of the promises made to the
fathers, and also gave a history of the aborigines of this country, and
said they were literal descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once
being an enlightened and intelligent people, possessing a correct knowledge
of the gospel, and the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this
history was written and deposited not far from that place, and that it
was our brother's privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord,
to obtain and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim,
which were deposited for that
purpose with the record.
"Yet," said he, "the scriptures must be fulfilled before it is translated,
which says that the words of a book, which were sealed, were presented
to the learned; for thus has God
determined to leave men without excuse, and show to the meek that his
arm is not shortened that it cannot save."
A part of the book was sealed, and was not to be opened yet. The sealed
part, said he, contains the same revelation which was given to John upon
the isles of Patmos, and when the people of the Lord are prepared, and
found worthy, then it will be unfolded unto them.
On the subject of bringing to light the unsealed part of this record,
it may be proper to say that our brother was expressly informed that it
must be done with an eye single to the glory of God; if this consideration
did not wholly characterize all his proceedings in
relation to it, the adversary of truth would overcome him, or at least
prevent his making that proficiency in this glorious work which he otherwise
would.
While describing the place where the record was deposited, he gave a minute
relation of it, and the vision of his mind being opened at the same time,
he was permitted to view it critically; and previously being acquainted
with the place, he was able to follow the
direction of the vision, afterward, according to the voice of the angel,
and obtain the book.
April 1835, Letter VI
I gave, in my last, a few words, on the subject of a few items, as spoken
by the angel at the time the knowledge of the record of the Nephites was
communicated to our brother, and in consequence of the subject of the gospel
and that of the gathering of Israel's being so connected, I found it difficult
to speak of the one without mentioning the other; and this may not be improper,
as it is evident, that the Lord has decreed to bring forth the fulness
of the gospel in the last days, previous to gathering Jacob, but a preparatory
work, and the other is to follow in quick succession.
This being of so much importance, and of so deep interest to the saints,
I have thought best to give a farther detail of the heavenly message, and
if I do not give it in the precise words, shall strictly confine myself
to the facts in substance.
David said:
Psalm 100:1-2Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands, (that is, all the earth.)
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
This he said in view of the glorious period for which he often prayed,
and was anxious to behold, which he knew could not take place until the
knowledge of the glory of God covered all lands, or all the earth. Again
he says:
Psalm 107:1-7O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: For his mercy endureth forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand
of the enemy; and gathered out of the lands from the east, and from the
west from the north and
from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they
found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their souls fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out
of their distresses; and led them in the right way that they might go to
the city of habitations.
Most clearly was it shown to the prophets, that the righteous should be
gathered from all the earth: He knew that the children of Israel were led
from Egypt, by the right hand of the Lord, and permitted to possess the
land of Canaan, though they were rebellious in the desert but he farther
knew, that they were not gathered from the east, the west, the north and
the south, at that time; for it was clearly manifested that the Lord himself
would
prepare a habitation, even as he said, when he would lead them to a city
of refuge.
Psalm 144:11-12In that, David saw a promise for the righteous, when they should
be delivered from those who oppressed them, and from the hand of strange
children, or the enemies of the Lord; that their sons should be like plants
grown up in their youth, and their daughters like corner- stones, polished
after the similitude of a beautiful palace.
Joel 2:28It is then that the sons and
daughters shall prophesy, old men dream dreams, and young men see visions.
At that time the garners of the righteous will be full, affording all manner
of store. It was while contemplating this time, and viewing this happy
state of the righteous, that he further says, "The Lord shall reign forever,
even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations-Praise ye the Lord!"
Isaiah, who was on the earth at the time the ten tribes of Israel were
led away captive
from the land of Canaan, was shown not only their calamity and affliction,
but the time when they were to be delivered. After reproving them for their
corruption and blindness, he prophesies of their dispersion. He says:
Isaiah 1:7Your country is desolate, your cities are burnt with fire: Your land strangers
devour in your presence and it is thus made desolate, being overthrown
by strangers.
He further says while speaking of the iniquity of that people:
Isaiah 1:23-24Thy princes are rebellious and companions of thieves: everyone loves gifts,
and follows after rewards: They judge not the fatherless, neither does
the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore, says the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the
mighty One of Israel, "Ah, I will ease me of my adversaries, and avenge
me of my enemies."
But after this calamity has befallen Israel, and the Lord has poured upon
them his afflicting judgments, as he said by the mouth of Moses:
Deuteronomy 32:23-24I will heap mischiefs upon them I will spend my arrows upon them. They
shall be
afflicted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter
destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison
of serpents of the earth.
He will also fulfill this further prediction uttered by the mouth of Isaiah:
Isaiah 1:25-27
I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take
way all thy tin: and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy
counsellors as at the beginning: afterward you shall be called, the city
of righteousness, the faithful city.
Then will be fulfilled, also, the sayings of David:
Psalm 107:7And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of
habitation.
Isaiah continues his prophecy concerning Israel, and tells them what would
be done for them in the last days; for thus it is written:
Isaiah 2:1-4The word that Isaiah the son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's
house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted
above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall
go and say, "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to
the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways and we
will walk in his paths;" for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the
word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up the sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 4:5-6And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of his people in Zion,
and upon their assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of
a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense, or
above, shall be a covering and a defense.
And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the
heat, and for a place or refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
And his people shall dwell safely, they shall possess the land forever,
even the land which was promised to their fathers for an everlasting inheritance:
for behold, says the Lord by the mouth of the prophet:
Jeremiah 31:27-28The day will come that I will sow the house of Israel with the seed of
man, and with the seed of beast. And it shall come to pass, that like as
I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw
down and to destroy and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build
and to plant, says the LORD.
For this happy situation and blessed state of Israel, did the prophets
look, and obtained a promise that, though the house of Israel and Judah
should violate the covenant, the Lord in the last days would make with
them a new one: not according to the one which he made with their fathers
in the day that he took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of
Egypt; which said the Lord:
Jeremiah 31:31-33My covenant they broke, although I was a husband and a father unto them: but this
shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says
the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and will write it in their hearts;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jeremiah 30:18-21
For thus says the LORD, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have
mercy on his dwelling places; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and
the palace shall remain after the manner there of. And out of them shall proceed
thanksgiving, and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them and
they shall not be few; I will also glorify them and they shall not be small. Their and
they shall children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be
established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. Their nobles shall be of
themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them.
Jeremiah 31:1
At the same time, says the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and
they shall be my people;
Jeremiah 31:8
I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the
earth;
Isaiah 43:6
I will say to the north, "Give up," and to the south, "Keep not back: bring my sons
from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth."
And in those days, and at that time, says the Lord though Israel and Judah have been
driven and scattered, they shall come together:
Jeremiah 31:9
They shall even come weeping: for with supplications will I lead them.
Jeremiah 50:4-5
They shall go and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with
their faces thitherward, and say, "Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD, in a
perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."
And watchmen upon Mount Ephraim shall say:
Isaiah 2:3 / Micah 4:2
Arise, and let us go up to Zion, unto the holy mount of the LORD our God; for he
will teach us of his ways, and instruct us to walk in his paths.
That the way for this to be fully accomplished, may be prepared:
Isaiah 11:15-16
The LORD will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea, and with his mighty
wind shake his hand over the river, smite it in its seven streams, and make men go
over dry-shod. And there shall be a high way for the remnant of his people, which
shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel when they came up out of the land of
Egypt.
And thus shall Israel come: not a dark corner of the earth shall remain unexplored, nor an
island of the seas be left without being visited; for as the Lord has removed them into all
corners of the earth, he will cause his mercy to be as abundantly manifested in their
gathering as his wrath in their dispersion, until they are gathered according to the
covenant.
He will, as he said by the prophet:
Jeremiah 16:16
Send for many fishers and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters,
who shall hunt them.
Not as their enemies have to afflict, but with glad tidings of great joy,
with a message of peace, and a call for their return.
And it will come to pass, that though the house of Israel has forsaken
the Lord, and bowed down and worshiping other gods, which were no gods,
and been cast out before the face of the world, they will know the voice
of the Shepherd when he calls upon them this time; for soon his day of
power comes, and in it his people will be willing to harken to his counsel;
and even now are they already beginning to be stirred up in their hearts
to search for these things, and are daily reading the ancient prophets,
and are marking the times and seasons of their fulfilment. Thus God is
preparing the way for their return.
But it is necessary that you should understand that what is to be fulfilled
in the last days, is not only for the benefit of Israel, but the Gentiles,
if they will repent and embrace the gospel, for they are to be remembered
also in the same covenant, and are to be fellow heirs with the seed of
Abraham, inasmuch as they are so by faith:
Acts 10:34For God is no respecter to persons.
This was shown to Moses, when he wrote:
Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people!
In consequence of the transgression of the Jews at the coming of the Lord,
the Gentiles
were called into the kingdom, and for this obedience, are to be favored
with the gospel in its fullness first, in the last days; for it is written:
1 Nephi 13:42The first shall be last, and the last first.
Therefore, when the fulness of the gospel, as was preached by the righteous
upon this
land, shall come forth, it shall be declared to the Gentiles first, and
whoso will repent shall be delivered, for they shall understand the plan
of salvation and restoration for Israel, as the Lord manifested to the
ancients. They shall be baptized with water and with the
Spirit- they shall lift up their hearts with joy and gladness, for the
time of their
redemption shall also roll on, and for their obedience to the faith they
shall see the house of Jacob come with great glory, even with songs of
everlasting joy, and with him partake of salvation.
Matthew 24:29Isaiah 24:20;1 Thessalonians 4:17D&C 29:14-21
Therefore, as the time draws near when the sun is to be darkened, the
moon turned to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, the Lord will bring
to the knowledge of his people his commandments and statutes, that they
may be prepared to stand when the earth shall reel to and fro as a drunken
man, earthquakes cause the nations to tremble, and the
destroying angel goes forth to waste the inhabitance at noon-day: for
so great are to be the calamities which are to come upon the inhabitants
of the earth, before the coming of the Son of Man the second time, that
whoso is not prepared cannot abide; but such as are
found faithful, and remain, shall be gathered with his people and caught
up to meet the Lord in the clouds, and so shall they inherit eternal life.
I have now given you a rehearsal of what was communicated to our brother,
when he was directed to go and obtain the record of the Nephites. I may
have missed in arrangement in some instances, but the principle is preserved,
and you will be able to bring forward
abundance of corroborating scripture upon the subject of the gospel and
of the gathering.
You are aware of the fact, that to give a minute rehearsal of a lengthy
interview with a heavenly messenger, is very difficult unless one is assisted
immediately with the gift of inspiration. There is another item I wish
to notice on the subject of visions. The Spirit, you know, searches all
things, even the deep things of God. When God manifests to his
servants those things that are to come, or those which have been, he does
it by unfolding them by the power of that Spirit which comprehends all
things, always; and so much may
be shown and made perfectly plain to the understanding in a short time,
that to the world, who are occupied all their life to learn a little, look
at the relation of it, and are disposed to call it false. You will understand
then by this, that while those glorious things were being rehearsed, the
vision was also opened so that our brother was permitted to see and
understand much more fully and perfectly than I am able to communicate
in writing. I know much may be conveyed to the understanding in writing,
and many marvelous
truths set forth with the pen, but after all it is but a shadow, compared
to an open vision of seeing, hearing and realizing eternal things. And
if the fact was known, it would be found, that of all the heavenly communications
to the ancients, we have no more in comparison than the alphabet to a quarto
vocabulary.
It is said, and I believe the account, that the Lord showed the brother
of Jared
(Moriancumer) all things which were to transpire from that day to the
end of the earth, as well as those which had taken place. I believe that
Moses was permitted to see the same, as the Lord caused them to pass, in
vision before him as he stood upon the mount. I believe that the Lord Jesus
told many things to his apostles which are not written, and after his
ascension unfolded all things unto them. I believe that Nephi, the son
of Lehi, whom the Lord brought out of Jerusalem, saw the same. I believe
that the twelve upon this continent, whom the Lord chose to preach his
gospel, when he came down to manifest to this branch of the house of Israel,
that he had other sheep who should hear his voice, were also permitted
to behold the same mighty things transpire in vision before their eyes.
And I believe that the angel Moroni, whose words I have been rehearsing,
who communicated the knowledge of the record of the Nephites in this age,
saw also, before he hid up the same unto the Lord, great and marvelous
things which were to transpire when the same should come forth; and I also
believe, that God will give line upon line precept upon
precept to his saints, until all these things will be unfolded to them,
and they finally sanctified and brought into the Celestial glory, where
tears will be wiped from all faces, and sighing and sorrowing flee away!
July 1835 - Letter VII
You will remember that in my last I brought my subject down to the evening,
or night of the 21st
of September, 1823, and gave an outline of the conversation of the angel
upon the important fact of the blessings, promises and covenants to Israel,
and the great
manifestations of favor to the world, in the ushering in of the fulness
of the gospel, to
prepare the way for the second advent of the Messiah, when he comes in
the glory of the Father with the holy angels.
A remarkable fact is to be noticed with regard to this vision. In ancient
times the Lord warned some of his servants in dreams: for instance, Joseph,
the husband of Mary, was warned in a dream to take the young child and
his mother, and flee into Egypt: also, the
wise men were warned of the Lord in a dream not to return to Herod; and
when "out of Egypt the Son was called" the angel of the Lord appeared in
a dream to Joseph again: also he was warned in a dream to turn aside into
the parts of Galilee. Such were the
manifestations to Joseph, the favored descendant of the father of the
faithful in dreams, and in them the Lord fulfilled his purposes: But the
one of which I have been speaking is what would have been called an open
vision. And though it was in the night, yet it was not a dream. There is
no room for conjecture in this matter, and to talk of deception would be
to sport with the common sense of every man who knows when he is awake,
when he sees and when he does not see.
He could not have been deceived in the fact that a being of some kind
appeared to him; and that it was an heavenly one, the fulfillment of his
words, so minutely, up to this time, in addition to the truth and word
of salvation which has been developed to this
generation, in the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
ought to be conclusive evidence to the mind of every man who is privileged
to hear of the same. He was awake, and in solemn prayer, as you will bear
in mind, when the angel made his appearance; from that glory which
surrounded him the room was lit up to a perfect brilliancy, so that darkness
wholly disappeared: he heard his words with his ears, and received a joy
and happiness
indescribable by hearing that his own sins were forgiven, and his former
transgressions to be remembered against him no more, if he then continued
to walk before the Lord
according to his holy commandments. He also saw him depart, the light
and glory
withdraw, leaving a calmness and peace of soul past the language of man
to paint-was he deceived?
Far from this; for the vision was renewed twice before morning, unfolding
farther and still farther the mysteries of godliness and those things to
come. In the morning he went. to his labor as usual, but soon the vision
of the heavenly messenger was renewed, instructing him to go immediately
and view those things of which he had been informed, with a promise that
he should obtain them if he followed the directions and went with an eye
single to the glory of God.
Accordingly he repaired to the place which had thus been described. But
it is necessary to give you more fully the express instructions of the
angel, with regard to the object of this work in which our brother had
now engaged. He was to remember that it was the work of the Lord, to fulfil
certain promises previously made to a branch of the house of Israel, of
the tribe of Joseph, and when it should be brought forth must be done expressly
with an eye, as I said before, single to the glory of God, and the welfare
and restoration of the house of Israel.
You will understand, then, that no motive of a pecuniary, or earthly nature,
was to be
suffered to take the lead of the heart of the man thus favored. The allurements
of vice, the contaminating influence of wealth, without the direct guidance
of the Holy Spirit, must have no place in the heart nor be suffered to
take from it that warm desire for the glory and kingdom of the Lord, or
instead of obtaining, disappointment and reproof would most assuredly follow.
Such was the instruction and this the caution.
Alternately, as we could naturally expect, the thought of the previous
vision was
ruminating in his mind, with a reflection of the brightness and glory
of the heavenly messenger; but again a thought would start across the mind
on the prospects of obtaining so desirable a treasure-one in all human
probability sufficient to raise him above a level with the common earthly
fortunes of his fellow men, and relieve his family from want, in which,
by misfortune and sickness they were placed.
It is very natural to suppose that the mind would revolve upon those scenes
which had passed, when those who had acquired a little of this world's
goods, by industry and economy, with the blessings of health or friends,
or by art and intrigue from the pockets of the day-laborer, or the widow
and the fatherless, had passed by with a stiff neck and a cold heart, scorning
the virtuous because they were poor, and lording over those who were subjected
to suffer the miseries of this life.
Alternately did these, with a swift reflection of the words of the holy
messenger,-
"Remember, that he who does this work, who is thus favored of the Lord,
must do it with his eye single to the glory of the same, and the welfare
and restoration of the scattered
remnants of the house of Israel"-rush upon his mind with the quickness
of electricity.
Here was a struggle indeed; for when he calmly reflected upon his errand,
he knew that if God did not give, he could not obtain; and again, with
the thought or hope of obtaining, his mind would be carried back to its
former reflections of poverty, abuse,- wealth,
grandeur and ease, until before arriving at the place described, this
wholly occupied his desires; and when he thought upon the fact of what
was previously shown him, it was only with an assurance that he should
obtain, and accomplish his desires in relieving himself and friends from
want.
A history of the inhabitants who peopled this continent, previous to its
being discovered to Europeans by Columbus, must be interesting to every
man; and as it would develop the important fact, that the present race
were descendants of Abraham, and were to be
remembered in the immutable covenant of the Most High to that man, and
be restored to a knowledge of the gospel, that they, with all nations might
rejoice, seemed to inspire
further thoughts of gain and income from such a valuable history. Surely,
thought he
every man will seize with eagerness, this knowledge, and this incalculable
income will be mine. Enough to raise the expectations of any one of like
inexperience, placed in similar
circumstances. But the important point in this matter is, that man does
not see as the Lord, neither are his purposes like his. The small things
of this life are but dust in comparison
with salvation and eternal life.
It is sufficient to say that such were his reflections during his walk
of from two to three miles: the distance from his father's house to the
place pointed out. And to use his own words it seemed as though two invisible
powers were influencing or striving to influence his mind-one with the
reflection that if he obtained the object of his pursuit, it would be through
the mercy and condescension of the Lord, and that every act or performance
in relation to it, must be in strict accordance with the instruction of that
personage, who communicated the intelligence to him first; and the other
with the thoughts and
reflections like those previously mentioned-contrasting his former and
present
circumstances in life with those to come. That precious instruction recorded
on the sacred page-pray always-which was expressly impressed upon him,
was at length entirely forgotten, and as I previously remarked, a fixed
determination to obtain and aggrandize himself, occupied his mind when
he arrived at the place where the record was found.
I must now give you some description of the place where, and the manner
in which these records were deposited.
You are acquainted with the mail road from Palmyra, Wayne Co. to Canandaigua,
Ontario Co. N.Y. and also, as you pass from the former to the latter place,
before arriving at the little village of Manchester, say from three to
four, or about four miles from
Palmyra, you pass a large hill on the east side of the road. Why I say
large, is because it is as large perhaps, as any in that country. To a
person acquainted with this road, a
description would be unnecessary, as it is the largest and rises the highest
of any on that route. The north end rises quite sudden until it assumes
a level with the more southerly extremity, and I think I may say an elevation
higher than at the south a short distance, say half or three fourths of
a mile. As you pass toward Canandaigua it lessens gradually until the surface
assumes its common level, or is broken by other smaller hills or ridges,
water courses and ravines. I think I am justified in saying that this is
the highest hill for some
distance round, and I am certain that its appearance, as it rises so suddenly
from a plain on the north, must attract the notice of the travelers as
he passes by.
At about one mile west rises another ridge of less height, running parallel
with the former, leaving a beautiful vale between. The soil is of the first
quality for the country, and under a state of cultivation, which gives
a prospect at once imposing, when one reflects on the
fact, that here, between these hills, the entire power and national strength
of both the Jaredites and Nephites were destroyed.
By turning to the 529th
and 530th
pages of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
you will read Mormon's account of the last great struggle of his people,
as they were encamped round this hill Cumorah. (it is printed Camorah,
which is an error.) In this valley fell the
remaining strength and pride of a once powerful people, the Nephites-once
so highly
favored of the Lord, but at that time in darkness, doomed to suffer extermination
by the hand of their barbarous and uncivilized brethren. From the top of
this hill, Mormon, with a few others, after the battle, gazed with horror
upon the mangled remains of those who, the day before, were filled with
anxiety, hope or doubt. A few had fled to the south, who were hunted down
by the victorious party, and all who would not deny the Savior and his
religion, were put to death. Mormon himself, according to the record of
his son Moroni, was also slain.
But a long time previous to this disaster it appears from his own account,
he foresaw approaching destruction. In fact, if he perused the records
of his fathers, [p. 86] which
were in his possession, he could have learned that such would be the case.
Alma, who lived before the coming of the Messiah, prophesies this. He,
however, by divine appointment, abridged from those records, in his own
style and language, a short account of the more important and prominent
items, from the days of Lehi to his own time, after which he
deposited, as he says, on the 529th
page, all the records in this same hill, Cumorah and after gave his small
record to his son Moroni, who, as appears from the same, finished, after
witnessing the extinction of his people as a nation.
It was not the wicked who overcame the righteous; far from this: it was
the wicked against the wicked, and by the wicked the wicked were punished.
The Nephites who
were once enlightened, had fallen from a more elevated standing as to
favor and privilege before the Lord in consequence of the righteousness
of their fathers, and now falling below, for such was actually the case,
were suffered to be overcome, and the land was left to the possession of
the red men, who were without intelligence, only in the affairs of their
wars; and having no records, only preserving their history by tradition
from father to son, lost the account of their true origin, and wandered
from river to river, from hill to hill,
from mountain to mountain, and from sea to sea, till the land was again
peopled, in a measure, by a rude, wild, revengeful, warlike and barbarous
race. Such are our Indians.
This hill, by the Jaredites, was called Ramah: by it, or around it pitched
the famous army of Coriantumr their tents. Coriantumr was the last king
of the Jaredites The opposing
army were to the west, and in this same valley, and nearby, from day to
day, did that mighty race spill their blood, in wrath, contending, as it
were, brother against brother, and father, against son. In this same spot,
in full view from the top of this same hill, one may gaze with astonishment
upon the ground which was twice covered with the dead and
dying of our fellow men. Here may be seen where once sunk to naught the
pride and
strength of two mighty nations; and here may be contemplated, in solitude,
while nothing but the faithful record of Mormon and Moroni is now extant
to inform us of the fact,
scenes of misery and distress-the aged, whose silver locks in other places
and at other times would command reverence; the mother, who in other circumstances
would be spared from violence; the infant, whose tender cries would be
regarded and listened to with a feeling of compassion and tenderness; and
the virgin, whose grace, beauty and modesty, would be esteemed and held
inviolate by all good men and enlightened and
civilized nations, alike disregarded and treated with scorn!-in vain did
the hoary head and man of gray hairs ask for mercy; in vain did the mother
plead for compassion; in vain did the helpless and harmless infant weep
for verry anguish, and in vain did the virgin seek to
escape the ruthless hand of revengeful foes and demons in human form-all
alike were trampled down by the feet of the strong, and crushed beneath
the rage of battle and war!
Alas, who can reflect upon the last struggles of great and populous nations,
sinking to dust beneath the hand of Justice and retribution without weeping
over the corruptions of the human heart, and sighing for the hour when
the clangor of arms shall no more be heard, nor the calamities of contending
armies no more experienced for a thousand years? Alas, the calamity of
war, the extinction of nations, the ruin of kingdoms, the fall of empires
and the dissolution of governments! O the misery, distress and evil attendant
on these!
Who can contemplate like scenes without sorrowing, and who so destitute
of
commiseration as not to be pained that man has fallen so low, so far beneath
the station in which he was created?
In this vale lie commingled, in one mass of ruin the ashes of thousands,
and in this vale was destined to consume the fair forms and vigorous systems
of tens of thousands of the human race-blood mixed with blood, flesh with
flesh, bones with bones and dust with dust! When the vital spark which
animated their clay had fled, each lifeless lump lay on one common level-cold
and inanimate. Those bosoms which had burned with rage
against each other for real or supposed injury, had now ceased to heave
with malice; those arms which were, a few moments before nerved with strength,
had alike become
paralyzed and those hearts which had been fired with revenge, had now
ceased to beat, and the head to think-in silence, in solitude, and in disgrace
alike, they have long since turned to earth, to their mother dust, to await
the august, and to millions, awful hour, when the trump of the Son of God
shall echo and reecho from the skies, and they come
forth, quickened and immortalized, to not only stand in each other's presence,
but before the bar of him who is Eternal!
October 1835 - Letter VIII
The hill of which I have been speaking, at the time mentioned, presented
a varied appearance: the north end rose suddenly from the plain, forming
a promontory without timber, but covered with grass. As you passed to the
south you soon came to scattering
timber, the surface having been cleared by art or by wind; and a short
distance further left, you are surrounded with the common forest of the
country. It is necessary to observe, that even the part cleared was only
occupied for pasturage, its steep ascent and narrow summit not admitting
the plow of the husbandman, with any degree of ease or profit. It was at
the second mentioned place where the record was found to be deposited,
on the west side of the hill, not far from the top down its side; and when
myself visited the place in the year 1830, there were several trees standing:
enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so
much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass-which was also
the case when the record was first found.
Whatever may be the feeling of men on the reflection of past acts which
have been performed on certain portions or spots of this earth, I know
not, neither does it add or
diminish to nor from the reality of my subject. When Moses heard the voice
of God, at the foot of Horeb, out of the burning bush, he was commanded
to take his shoes off his
feet, for the ground on which he stood was holy. The same may be observed
when Joshua beheld the "Captain of the Lord's host" by Jericho. And I confess
that my mind was filled with many reflections; and though I did not then
loose my shoe, yet with gratitude to God did I offer up the sacrifice of
my heart.
How far below the surface these records were placed by Moroni, I am unable
to say; but from the fact they had been some fourteen hundred years buried,
and that too on the side
of a hill so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feet
below, as the earth would naturally wear more or less in that length of
time. But they being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would
not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps.
Another circumstance would prevent a wearing of the earth: in all probability,
as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered, after the Nephites
were destroyed, and the roots of the same would hold the surface. However,
on this point I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form
his own speculation, as I only promised to give a
description of the place at the time the records were found in 1823. It
is sufficient for my present purpose, to know, that such is the fact: that
in 1823, yes, 1823, a man with whom I have had the most intimate and personal
acquaintance, for almost seven years, actually
discovered by the vision of God, the plates from which the
BOOK
OF
MORMON,
as much as it is disbelieved, was translated! Such is the case, though
men rack their verry brains to invent falsehood, and then waft them upon
every breeze, to the contrary notwithstanding.
I have now given sufficient on the subject of the hill Cumorah-it has
a singular and imposing appearance for that country, and must excite the
curious enquiry of every lover of the
BOOK
OF
MORMON:
though I hope never like Jerusalem and the sepulcher of our Lord, the
pilgrims. In my estimation, certain places are dearer to me for what they
now contain than for what they have contained. For the satisfaction of
such as believe I have been thus particular, and to avoid the question
being a thousand times asked, more than any other cause, shall proceed
and be as particular as heretofore. The manner in which the plates were
deposited:
First, a hole of sufficient depth, (how deep I know not) was dug. At the
bottom of this
was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. At
each edge was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement,
at the four edges of this stone, were placed, erect, four others, their
bottom edges resting in the cement at the outer edges of the first stone.
The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box, the corners, or where
the edges of the four came in contact, were also cemented so firmly that
the moisture from
without was prevented from entering. It is to be observed, also, that
the inner surface of the four erect, or side stones was smooth. This box
was sufficiently large to admit a breast- plate, such as was used by the
ancients to defend the chest, &c. from the arrows and
weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breast-plate,
arose three small pillars composed of the same description of cement used
on the edges; and upon these three pillars was placed the record of the
children of Joseph, and of a people who left the tower far, far before
the days of Joseph, or a sketch of each, which had it not been for this,
and the never failing goodness of God, we might have perished in our sins,
having been left to bow down before the altars of the Gentiles and to have
paid homage to the
priests of Baal! I must not forget to say that this box, containing the
record was covered with another stone, the bottom surface being flat and
the upper, crowning. But those three pillars were not so lengthy as to
cause the plates and the crowning stone to come in
contact. I have now given you, according to my promise, the manner in
which this record was deposited; though when it was first visited by our
brother, in 1823, a part of the
crowning stone was visible above the surface while the edges were concealed
by the soil and grass, from which circumstances you will see, that however
deep this box might have been placed by Moroni at first, the time had been
sufficient to wear the earth so that it was easily discovered when once
directed, and yet not enough to make a perceivable difference to the passer-by.
So wonderful are the works of the Almighty, and so far from our finding
out are his ways, that one who trembles to take his holy name into his
lips, is left to
wonder at his exact providences, and the fulfilment of his purposes in
the event of times and seasons.
A few years sooner might have found even the top stone concealed, and
discouraged our brother from attempting to make a further trial to obtain
this rich treasure, for fear of
discovery; and a few latter might have left the small box uncovered, and
exposed its valuable contents to the rude calculations and vain speculations
of those who neither understand common language nor fear God.
But such would have been contrary to the words of the ancients and the
promises made to them: and this is why I am left to admire the works and
see the wisdom in the designs of the Lord in all things manifested to the
eyes of the world: they show that all human
inventions are like the vapors, while his word endures forever and his
promises to the last generation.
Having thus digressed from my main subject to give a few items for the
special benefit of all, it will be necessary to return, and proceed as
formerly.
And if any suppose I have indulged too freely in reflections, I will only
say that it is my opinion, were one to have a view of the glory of God
which is to cover Israel in the last days, and know that these, though
they may be thought small things, were the beginning to effect the same,
they would be at a loss where to close, should they give a moment's
vent to the imaginations of the heart
You will have wondered, perhaps, that the mind of our brother should be
occupied with the thoughts of the goods of this world, at the time of arriving
at Cumorah, on the
morning of the 22nd
of September, 1823, after having been rapt in the visions of heaven during
the night, and also seeing and hearing in open day; but the mind of man
is easily turned, if it is not held by the power of God through the prayer
of faith, and you will
remember that I have said that two invisible powers were operating upon
his mind during his walk from his residence to Cumorah, and that the one
urging the certainty of wealth and ease in this life, had so powerfully
wrought upon him, that the great object so
carefully and impressively named by the angel had entirely gone from his
recollection that only a fixed determination to obtain now urged him forward.
In this, which occasioned a failure to obtain, at that time, the record,
do not understand me to attach blame to our brother: he was young, and
his mind easily turned from correct principles, unless he could be favored
with a certain round of experience. And yet, while young, untraditionated
and untaught in the systems of the world, he was in a situation to be lead
into the great work of God, and be qualified to perform it in due time.
After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil
from the edges of the top of the box, and a light pry, brought to his natural
vision its contents. No sooner did he behold this sacred treasure than
his hopes were renewed, and he supposed his success
certain; and without first attempting to take it from its long place of
deposit, he thought, perhaps, there might be something more, equally as
valuable, and to take only the plates, might give others an opportunity
of obtaining the remainder, which could he secure, would still add to his
store of wealth. These, in short, were his reflections, without once thinking
of the solemn instruction of the heavenly messenger, that all must be done
with an express view of glorifying God.
On attempting to take possession of the records a shock was produced upon
his system, by an invisible power, which deprived him in a measure, of
his natural strength. He desisted for an instant, and then made another
attempt, but was more sensibly shocked than before. What was the occasion
of this he knew not-there was the pure unsullied record, as had been described-he
had heard of the power, of enchantment, and a thousand like stories, which
held the hidden treasures of the earth, and supposed that physical exertion
and personal strength was only necessary to enable him to yet obtain the
object of his wish. He
therefore made the third attempt with an increased exertion, when his
strength failed him more than at either of the former times, and without
premeditation he exclaimed, "Why can I not obtain this book?" "Because
you have not kept the commandments of the
Lord," answered a voice, within a seeming short distance. He looked, and
to his astonishment, there stood the angel who had previously given him
the directions concerning this matter. In an instant, all the former instructions,
the great intelligence concerning Israel and the last days, were brought
to his mind: he thought of the time
when his heart was fervently engaged in prayer to the Lord, when his spirit
was contrite, and when his holy messenger, from the skies unfolded the
wonderful things connected with this record. He had come, to be sure, and
found the word of the angel fulfilled
concerning the reality of the record but he had failed to remember the
great end for which they had been kept, and in consequence could not have
power to take them into his possession and bear them away.
At that instant he looked to the Lord in prayer, and as he prayed darkness
began to
disperse from his mind and his soul was lit up as it was the evening before,
and he was
filled with the Holy Spirit; and again did the Lord manifest his condescension
and mercy: the heavens were opened and the glory of the Lord shone round
about and rested upon him. While he thus stood gazing and admiring, the
angel said, "Look!" and as he thus spake he beheld the prince of darkness,
surrounded by his innumerable train of associates.
All this passed before him, and the heavenly messenger said:
All this is shown, the good and the evil, the holy and impure, the glory
of God and the power of darkness, that you may know hereafter the two powers
and never be influenced or overcome by that wicked one.
Moroni 7:13-14Behold, whatever
entices and leads to good and to do good, is of God, and whatever does
not is of that wicked one. It is he
that fills the hearts of men with evil, to walk in darkness and blaspheme
God; and you may learn from henceforth, that his ways are to destruction,
but the way of holiness is peace and rest.
You now see why you could not obtain this record; that the commandment
was strict, and that if ever these sacred things are obtained they must
be by prayer and
faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for the
sake of
accumulating gain and wealth for the glory of this world: they were sealed
by the prayer of faith, and because of the knowledge which they contain
they are of no worth among the children of men, only for their knowledge.
On them is contained
the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as it was given to his people
on this land, and when it shall be brought forth by the power of God it
shall be carried to the Gentiles, of whom many will receive it, and after
will the seed of Israel be brought into the fold of their Redeemer by obeying
it also. Those who kept the commandments of the Lord on this land, desired
this at his hand, and through the prayer of faith obtained the promise,
that if their descendants should transgress and fall away, that a record
might be kept and in the last days come to their children. These things
are sacred, and must be kept so, for the promise of the Lord concerning
them must be fulfilled. No man
can obtain them if his heart is impure, because they contain that which
is sacred; and besides, should they be entrusted in unholy hands the knowledge
could not come to the world, because they cannot be interpreted by the
learning of this generation; consequently, they would be considered of
no worth, only as precious metal.
Therefore, remember, that they are to be translated by the gift and power
of God. By them will the Lord work a great and a marvelous work: the wisdom
of the wise shall become as naught, and the understanding of the prudentIsaiah 29:14
shall be hid, and because the power of God shall be displayed those who
profess to know the truth but walk in
deceit, shall tremble with anger; but with signs and with wonders, with
gifts and with healings, with the manifestations of the power of God, and
with the Holy Ghost, shall the hearts of the faithful be comforted.
You have now beheld the power of God manifested and the power of Satan:
you see that there is nothing that is desirable in the works of darkness;
that they cannot bring happiness; that those who are overcome therewith
are miserable, while on the other hand the righteous are blessed with a
place in the kingdom of God where joy
unspeakable surrounds them. There they rest beyond the power of the enemy
of truth, where no evil can disturb them. The glory of God crowns them,
and they continually feast upon his goodness and enjoy his smiles.
Behold, notwithstanding you have seen this great display of power, by
which you may ever be able to detect the evil one, yet I give unto you
another sign, and when it comes to pass then know that the Lord is God
and that he will fulfil his purposes, and that the knowledge which this
record contains will go to every nation, and kindred and tongue, and people
under the whole heaven. This is the sign: When these things begin to be
known, that is, when it is known that the Lord has shown you these things,
the workers of iniquity will seek your overthrow: they will circulate
falsehoods to destroy your reputation, and also will seek to take your
life; but remember this, if you are faithful, and shall hereafter continue
to keep the
commandments of the Lord, you shall be preserved to bring these things
forth; for in due time he will again give you a commandment to come and
take them. When they are interpreted the Lord will give the holy priesthood
to some, and they shall begin to proclaim this gospel and baptize by water,
and after that they shall have power to give the Holy Ghost by the laying
on of their hands. Then will persecution rage more and more; for the iniquities
of men shall be revealed, and those who are not built upon the Rock will
seek to overthrow this church; but it will increase the more opposed, and
spread farther and farther, increasing in knowledge till they shall be
sanctified and
receive an inheritance where the glory of God will rest upon them; and
when this takes place, and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel
will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long
season; and when this is fulfilled will be brought to pass that saying
of the prophets:
Isaiah 59:20And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression
in Jacob, saith the Lord
But, notwithstanding the workers of iniquity shall seek your destruction
the arm of the Lord will be extended, and you will be borne off conqueror
if you keep all his commandments. Your name shall be known among the nations,
for the work which the Lord will perform by your hands shall cause the
righteous to rejoice and the
wicked to rage: with the one it shall be had in honor, and with the other
in reproach; yet, with these it shall be a terror because of the great
and marvelous work which shall follow the coming forth of this fulness
of the gospel. Now, go thy way, remembering what the Lord has done for
thee, and be diligent in keeping his commandments, and he will deliver
thee from temptations and all the arts and devises of the wicked one.
Forget not to pray, that thy mind may become strong, that when he shall
manifest unto thee, thou mayest have power to escape the evil, and obtain
these precious things.
Though I am unable to paint before the mind, a perfect description of
the scenery which passed before our brother, I think I have said enough
to give you a field for reflection
which may not be unprofitable. You see the great wisdom in God in leading
him thus far, that his mind might begin to be more matured, and thereby
be able to judge correctly, the
spirits. I do not say that he would not have obtained the record had he
went according to the direction of the angel-I say that he would; but God
knowing all things from the beginning, began thus to instruct his servant.
And in this it is plainly to be seen that the adversary of truth is not
sufficient to overthrow the work of God. You will remember
that I said, two invisible powers were operating upon the mind of our
brother while going to Cumorah. In this, then, I discover wisdom in the
dealings of the Lord: it was impossible for any man to translate the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
by the gift of God, and endure the
afflictions, and temptations, and devices of Satan, without being overthrown
unless he had been previously benefited with a certain round of experience:
and had our brother obtained the record the first time, not knowing how
to detect the works of darkness, he might have been deprived of the blessings
of sending forth the word of truth to this
generation. Therefore, God knowing that Satan would thus lead his mind
astray, began at that early hour, that when the full time should arrive,
he might have a servant prepared to fulfill his purpose. So, however afflicting
to his feelings this repulse might have been, he had reason to rejoice
before the Lord and be thankful for the favors and mercies shown; that
whatever other instruction was necessary to the accomplishing this great
work, he had learned, by experience, how to discern between the spirit
of Christ and the spirit of the
devil.
LETTER TO THE CHURCH FROM LIBERTY JAIL
1
Sections 121, 122 and 123 were extracted from this letter sent by Joseph Smith to the church.
Liberty Jail, Clay County, Mo
March 20th
1839
To the Church of Latter-day Saints at Quincy, Illinois, and scattered
abroad, and to Bishop Partridge in particular;
Your humble servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., prisoner for the Lord Jesus Christ's
sake, and for the Saints, taken and held by the power of mobocracy, under
the exterminating reign of his excellency, the Governor Lilburn W. Boggs,
in company with his fellow prisoners and beloved brethren, Caleb Baldwin,
Lyman Wight, Hyrum Smith, and Alexander McRae, send unto you all greeting.
May the grace of God the Father, and of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
rest upon you all, and abide with you forever. May knowledge be multiplied
unto you by the mercy of God. And may faith and virtue, and knowledge and
temperance, and patience and godliness, and brotherly kindness and charity
be in you and abound, that you may not be barren in anything, nor unfruitful.
For inasmuch as we know that the most of you are well acquainted with
the wrongs and the high-handed injustice and cruelty that are practiced
upon us; whereas we have been taken prisoners charged falsely with every
kind of evil, and a strong guard, who
continually watch day and night as indefatigable as the devil does in
tempting and laying snares for the people of God.
Therefore, dearly beloved Brethren, we are the more ready and willing
to lay claim to your fellowship and love. For our circumstances are calculated
to awaken our spirits to a sacred remembrance of everything, and we think
that yours are also, and that nothing therefore can separate us from the
love of God and fellowship one with another; and that
every species of wickedness and cruelty practiced upon us will only tend
to bind our hearts together and seal them together in love. We have no
need to say to you that we are held in bonds without cause, neither is
it needful that you say unto us. We are driven from our homes and smitten
without cause. We mutually understand that if the inhabitants of the state
of Missouri had let the Saints alone, and had been as desirable of peace
as they were, there would have been nothing but peace and quietude in the
state unto this day; we
should not have been in this hell, surrounded with demons (if not those
who are damned, they are those who shall be damned) and where we are compelled
to hear nothing but
blasphemous oaths, and witness a scene of blasphemy, and drunkenness and
hypocrisy, and debaucheries of every description.
And again the cries of orphans and widows would not have ascended up to
God against them. Nor would innocent blood have stained the soil of Missouri.
But oh! the
unrelenting hand! The inhumanity and murderous disposition of this people!
It shocks all nature; it beggars and defies all description; it is a tale
of woe; a lamentable tale; yea a
sorrowful tale; too much to tell; too much for contemplation; too much
for human beings; it cannot be found among the heathens; it cannot be found
among the nations where kings and tyrants are enthroned; it cannot be found
among the savages of the wilderness; yea, and I think it cannot be found
among the wild and ferocious beasts of the forest-that a man should be
mangled for sport! women be robbed of all that they have-their last morsel
for subsistence, and then be violated to gratify the hellish desires of
the mob, and
finally left to perish with their helpless offspring clinging around their
necks.
But this is not all. After a man is dead, he must be dug up from his grave
and mangled to pieces, for no other purpose than to gratify their spleen
against the religion of God.
They practice these things upon the Saints, who have done them no wrong,
who are innocent and virtuous; who loved the Lord their God, and were willing
to forsake all things for Christ's sake. These things are awful to
relate, but they are verily true. It must needs be that offenses come,
but woe unto them by whom they come.
D&C 121
1O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covers thy hiding
place?
2How
long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold
from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants,
and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful
oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy
bowels be moved with compassion toward them?
4O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things
that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the
dark and benighted dominion of Sheol-stretch forth thy hand; let thine
eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy
hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine
heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.
5Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine
heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.
6Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice
in thy name forever.
Dearly and beloved Brethren, we see that perilous times have come, as
was testified of. We may look, then, with most perfect assurance, for the
fulfillment of all those things that have been written, and with more confidence
than ever before, lift up our eyes to the luminary of day, and say in our
hearts, Soon thou wilt veil thy blushing face. He that said "Let there
be Light," and there was light, has spoken this word. And again, thou
moon, thou dimmer light, thou luminary of night, shalt turn to blood.
We see that everything is being fulfilled; and that the time shall soon
come when the Son of Man shall descend in the clouds of heaven. Our hearts
do not shrink, neither are our spirits altogether broken by the grievous
yoke which is put upon us. We know that God will have our oppressors in
derision; that He will laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear
comes.
O that we could be with you, Brethren, and unbosom our feelings to you!
We would tell, that we should have been liberated at the time Elder Rigdon
was, on the writ of habeas corpus, had not our own lawyers interpreted
the law, contrary to what it reads, against us; which prevented us from
introducing our evidence before the mock court.
They have done us much harm from the beginning. They have of late acknowledged
that the law was misconstrued, and tantalized our feelings with it, and
have entirely forsaken us, and have forfeited their oaths and their bonds;
and we have a come-back on them, for they are co-workers with the mob.
As nigh as we can learn, the public mind has been for a long time turning
in our favor, and the majority in now friendly; and the lawyers can no
longer browbeat us by saying that this or that is a matter of public opinion,
for public opinion is not willing to brook it; for it is beginning to look
with feelings of indignation against our oppressors, and to say that the
Mormons were not in the fault in the least. We think that truth, honor,
virtue and
innocence will eventually come out triumphant. We should have taken a
habeas corpus before the high judge and escaped the mob in a summary way;
but unfortunately for us, the timber of the wall being very hard, our auger
handles gave out, and hindered us longer
than we expected; we applied to a friend, and a very slight incautious
act gave rise to some suspicions, and before we could fully succeed, our
plan was discovered; we had everything in readiness, but the last stone,
and we could have made our escape in one minute, and should have succeeded
admirably, had it not been for a little imprudence or over-anxiety on the
part of our friend.
The sheriff and jailer did not blame us for our attempt; it was a fine
breach, and cost the county a round sum; but public opinion says that we
ought to have been permitted to have made our escape; that then the disgrace
would have been on us, but now it must come on the state; that there cannot
be any charge sustained against us; and that the
conduct of the mob, the murders committed at Haun's Mills, and the
exterminating order of the governor, and the one-sided, rascally proceedings
of the legislature, have damned the state of Missouri to all eternity.
I would just name also that General Atchison has proved himself as contemptible
as any of them.
We have tried for a long time to get our lawyers to draw us some petitions
to the supreme judges of this state, but they utterly refused. We have
examined the law, and drawn the petitions ourselves, and have obtained
abundance of proof to counteract all the testimony that was against us,
so that if the supreme judge does not grant us our liberty, he has to act
without cause, contrary to honor, evidence, law or justice, sheerly to
please the devil, but we hope better things and trust before many days
God will so order our case, that we shall be set at liberty and take up
our habitation with the saints.
We received some letters last evening-one from Emma, one from Don C. Smith,
and one from Bishop Partridge-all breathing a kind and consoling spirit.
We were much
gratified with their contents. We had been a long time without information;
and when we read those letters they were to our souls as the gentle air
is refreshing, but our joy was mingled with grief, because of the sufferings
of the poor and much injured saints. And we need not say to you that the
floodgates of our hearts were lifted and our eyes were a
fountain of tears, but those who have not been enclosed in the walls of
prison without
cause or provocation, can have but little idea how sweet the voice of
a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and
calls into action every sympathetic
feeling; it brings up in an instant everything that is passed; it seizes
the present with the avidity of lightning; it grasps after the future with
the fierceness of a tiger; it moves the mind backward and forward, from
one thing to another, until finally all enmity, malice and hatred, and
past differences, misunderstandings and mismanagements are slain
victorious at the feet of hope; and when the heart is sufficiently contrite,
then the voice of inspiration steals along and whispers:
D&C 121
7My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions
shall be but a small moment;
8and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt
triumph over all thy foes.
9Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again
with warm hearts and friendly hands.
10Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither
charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.
11And they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted,
and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melts before the
burning rays of the rising sun;
12and also that God has set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons,
and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings;
that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;
13also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are
willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come
upon themselves to the very uttermost;
14that they may be disappointed also, and their hopes may be cut off;
15and not many years hence, that they and their posterity
shall be swept from under heaven, says God, that not one of them is left
to stand by the wall.
16Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed,
says the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before
me, says the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and
which I commanded them.
17But those who cry
transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the
children of disobedience themselves.
18And those who swear falsely against my servants, that they might bring
them into bondage and death-
19wo unto them; because they have offended my little ones they shall be
severed from the ordinances of mine house.
20Their basket shall not be full, their houses and their barns shall perish,
and they themselves shall be despised by those that
flattered them.
21They shall not have right to the priesthood, nor their posterity after
them from generation to generation.
22It had been better for them that a millstone had been hanged about their
necks, and they drowned in the depth of the sea.
23Wo unto all those that discomfort my people, and drive, and murder, and
testify against them, says the Lord of Hosts; a generation of vipers shall
not escape the damnation of hell.
24Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works, and I have in reserve
a swift judgment in the season thereof, for them all;
25for there is a time appointed for every man, according as his works shall be.
And now, beloved brethren, we say unto you, that inasmuch as God has said
that he
would have a tried people, that he would purge them as gold, now we think
that this time he has chosen his own crucible, wherein we have been tried;
and we think if we get through with any degree of safety, and shall have
kept the faith, that it will be a sign to this generation, altogether sufficient
to leave them without excuse; and we think also, it will be a trial of
our faith equal to that of Abraham, and that the ancients will not have
whereof to boast over us in the day of judgment, as being called to pass
through heavier afflictions; that we may hold an even weight in the balance
with them; but now, after having suffered so great sacrifice and having
passed through so great a season of sorrow, we trust that a ram may be
caught in the thicket speedily, to relieve the sons and
daughters of Abraham from their great anxiety, and to light up the lamp
of salvation upon their countenances, that they may hold on now, after
having gone so far unto everlasting life.
Now, brethren, concerning the places for the location of the saints, we
cannot counsel you as we could if we were present with you; and as to the
things that were written heretofore, we did not consider them anything
very binding, therefore we now say once for all, that we think it most
proper that the general affairs of the church, which are necessary to be
considered, while your humble servant remains in bondage, should be transacted
by a general conference of the most faithful and the most respectable of
the authorities of the church, and a minute of those transactions may be
kept, and forwarded from time to time, to your humble servant; and if there
should be any corrections by the word of the Lord, they shall be freely
transmitted, and your humble servant will approve all things
whatsoever is acceptable unto God. If anything should have been suggested
by us, or any names mentioned, except by commandment, or thus says the
Lord, we do not consider it binding; therefore our hearts shall not be
grieved if different arrangements should be entered into. Nevertheless
we would suggest the propriety of being aware of an aspiring
spirit, which spirit has oftentimes urged men forward to make foul speeches,
and influence the church to reject milder counsels, and has eventually
been the means of bringing much death and sorrow upon the church.
We would say, beware of pride also; for well and truly has the wise man
said, that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall. And again, outward appearance is not always a criterion by which
to judge our fellow man; but the lips betray the haughty
and overbearing imaginations of the heart; by his words and his deeds
let him be judged.
Flattery is also a deadly poison. A frank and open rebuke provokes a good
man to
emulation; and in the hour of trouble he will be your best friend; but
on the other hand, it will draw out all the corruptions of corrupt hearts,
and lying and the poison of asps is
under their tongues; and they do cause the pure in heart to be cast into
prison, because they want them out of their way.
A fanciful and flowery and heated imagination beware of; because the things
of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous
and solemn thoughts
can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto
salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost Heavens, and search into
and contemplate the lowest considerations of the darkest abyss, and expand
upon the broad considerations of Eternal Expanse, he must commune with
God. How much more dignified and noble are the
thoughts of God, than the vain imaginations of the human heart! None but
fools will trifle with the souls of men.
How vain and trifling have been our spirits, our conferences, our councils,
our private meetings, our private as well as public conversations-too low,
too mean, too vulgar, too condescending for the dignified characters of
the called and chosen of God, according to the purposes of His will, from
before the foundation of the world! We are called to hold the keys of the
mysteries of those things that have been kept hid from the foundation of
the world until now. Some have tasted a little of these things, many of
which are to be poured down from heaven upon the heads of babes; yea, upon
the weak, obscure and
despised ones of the earth. Therefore we beseech of you, brethren, that
you bear with those who do not feel themselves more worthy than yourselves,
while we exhort one another to a reformation with one and all, both old
and young, teachers and taught, both high and low, rich and poor, bond
and free, male and female; let honesty, and sobriety, and candor, and solemnity,
and virtue, and pureness, and meekness, and simplicity crown our heads
in every place; and in fine, become as little children, without malice,
guile or hypocrisy.
And now, Brethren, after your tribulations, if you do these things, and
exercise fervent prayer and faith in the sight of God always,
D&C 121
26He shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable
gift of the
Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;
27which our fathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed
in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the Angels, as
held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;
28a time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be
one god or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be
revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel
of Jesus Christ.
30And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to
the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars-
31all the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and
years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their
glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation
of the fulness of times-
32according to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the
Eternal God of all other Gods before this world was, that should be reserved
unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into
his eternal presence and into his immortal
rest.
But I beg leave to say unto you, brethren, that ignorance, superstition
and bigotry placing itself where it ought not, is oftentimes in the way
of the prosperity of this church; like the torrent of rain from the mountains,
that floods the most pure and crystal stream with
mire, and dirt, and filthiness, and obscures everything that was clear
before, and all rushes
along in one general deluge; but time weathers tide; and notwithstanding
we are rolled in the mire of the flood for the time being, the next surge
peradventure, as time rolls on, may bring to us the fountain as clear as
crystal, and as pure as snow; while the filthiness,
flood-wood and rubbish is left and purged out by the way.
D&C 121
33How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens?
As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri River in
its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty
from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day
Saints.
What is Boggs or his murderous party, but wimbling willows upon the shore
to catch the flood-wood? As well might we argue that water is not water,
because the mountain
torrents send down mire and roil the crystal stream, although afterwards
render it more pure than before; or that fire is not fire, because it is
of a quenchable nature, by pouring on the flood; as to say that our cause
is down because renegades, liars, priests, thieves and
murderers, who are all alike tenacious of their crafts and creeds, have
poured down, from their spiritual wickedness in high places, and from their
strongholds of the devil, a flood of dirt and mire and filthiness and vomit
upon our heads.
No! God forbid. Hell may pour forth its rage like the burning lava of
mount Vesuvius, or of Etna, or of the most terrible of the burning mountains;
and yet shall Mormonism stand. Water, fire, truth and God are all realities.
Truth is Mormonism. God is the author of it. He is our shield. It is by
him we received our birth. It was by his voice that we were called to a
dispensation of his gospel in the beginning of the fulness of times. It
was by him we received the
BOOK
OF
MORMON;
and it is by him that we remain unto this day; and by him we shall remain,
if it shall be for our glory; and in his almighty name we are
determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers unto the end.
But brethren, we shall continue to offer further reflections in our next
epistle. You will
learn by the time you have read this, and if you do not learn it, you
may learn it, that walls and irons, doors and creaking hinges, and half-scared-to-death
guards and jailers, grinning like some damned spirits, lest an innocent
man should make his escape to bring to light the damnable deeds of a murderous
mob, are calculated in their very nature to make the soul of an honest
man feel stronger than the powers of hell.
But we must bring our epistle to a close. We send our respects to fathers,
mothers, wives and children, brothers and sisters; we hold them in the
most sacred remembrance.
I send this epistle to Emma that she may have the first perusal of it.
We feel to inquire after Elder Rigdon; if he has not forgotten us, it has
not been signified to us by his writing. Brother George W. Robinson also;
and Elder Cahoon, we remember him, but would like to jog his memory a little
on the fable of the bear and the two friends who mutually
agreed to stand by each other. And perhaps it would not be amiss to mention
uncle John [Smith], and various others. A word of consolation and a blessing
would not come amiss
from anybody, while we are being so closely whispered by the bear. But
we feel to excuse everybody and everything, yea the more readily when we
contemplate that we are in the hands of persons worse than a bear, for
the bear would not prey upon a dead carcass.
Our respects and love and fellowship to all the virtuous Saints. We are
your brethren and fellow-sufferers, and prisoners of Jesus Christ for the
Gospel's sake, and for the hope of glory which is in us.Amen.
We continue to offer further reflections to Bishop Partridge, and to the
church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whom we love with a fervent
love, and do always bear them in mind in all our prayers to the throne
of God.
It still seems to bear heavily on our minds that the church would do well
to secure to themselves the contract of the land, which is proposed to
them by Mr. Isaac Galland, and to cultivate the friendly feelings of that
gentleman, inasmuch as he shall prove himself to be a man of honor and
a friend to humanity; also Isaac Van Allen, Esq., the attorney- general
of Iowa Territory, and Governor Lucas, that peradventure such men may be
wrought upon by the providence of God, to do good unto his people. We
really think that Mr. Galland's letter breathes that kind of a spirit,
if we may judge correctly. Governor
Lucas' also. We suggest the idea of praying fervently for all men
who manifest any degree of sympathy for the suffering children of God.
We think that the United States Surveyor of the Iowa Territory may be
of great benefit to the church, if it be the will of God to this end; and
righteousness should be manifested as the girdle of our loins.
It seems to be deeply impressed upon our minds that the saints ought to
lay hold of every door that shall seem to be opened unto them, to obtain
foothold on the earth, and be making all the preparation that is within
their power for the terrible storms that are now gathering in the heavens,
"a day of clouds, with darkness and gloominess, and of thick
darkness," as spoken of by the prophets which cannot be now of a
long time lingering, for there seems to be a whispering that the angels
of heaven who have been entrusted with the counsel of these matters for
the last days, have taken counsel together; and among the rest of the general
affairs that have to be transacted in their honorable council, they have
taken cognizance of the testimony of those who were murdered at Haun's
Mills, and also those who were martyred with D.W. Patten, and elsewhere,
and have passed some decisions
peradventure in favor of the saints, and those who were called to suffer
without cause.
These decisions will be made known in their time; and the council will
take into consideration all those things that offend.
We have a fervent desire that in your general conferences everything should
be discussed with a great deal of care and propriety, lest you grieve the
Holy Spirit, which shall be poured out at all times upon your heads, when
you are exercised with those principles of righteousness that are agreeable
to the mind of God, and are properly affected one toward another, and are
careful by all means to remember, those who are in bondage, and in
heaviness, and in deep affliction for your sakes. And if there are any
among you who aspire after their own aggrandizement, and seek their own
opulence, while their brethren are groaning in poverty, and are under sore
trials and temptations, they cannot be
benefited by the intercession of the Holy Spirit, which makes intercession
for us day and night with groanings that cannot be uttered.
We ought at all times to be very careful that such high-mindedness shall
never have place in our hearts; but condescend to men of low estate, and
with all long-suffering bear the infirmities of the weak.
D&C 121
34Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not
chosen?
35Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and
aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson-
36that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers
of heaven, and that the powers of heaven
cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake
to cover our sins, or to
gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion
or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness,
behold, the
heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when
it is withdrawn,
Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the
pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition
of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose,
they will immediately begin to
exercise unrighteous dominion.
40Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
41No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood,
only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and
by love unfeigned;
42by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul
without hypocrisy, and without guile-
43reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and
then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou
hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44that he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45Thy bowels also being full of charity towards all men and to the household
of faith, and virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence
wax strong in the
presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon
thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an
unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall
be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow
unto thee forever and ever.
D&C 122
1The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name, and fools shall have
thee in derision, and hell shall rage against thee;
2while the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous,
shall seek counsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under
thy hand.
3And thy people shall never be turned against thee by the testimony of
traitors.
4And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars
and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy
voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce
lion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever
and ever.
5If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils
among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art
in perils by land or by sea;
6if thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies
fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother
and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear
thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder
son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall
say, "My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father, what
are the men going to do with you?" And if then he shall be thrust from
thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to
prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood
of the lamb;
7and if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers,
and the sentence of
death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing
surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the
heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the
way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth
wide after thee,
Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and
shall be for thy good.
8The Son of Man has descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee;
for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy
years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do,
for God shall be with you forever and ever.
Now, brethren, I would suggest for the consideration of the conference,
it being carefully and wisely understood by the council or conferences
that our brethren scattered abroad,
who understood the spirit of the gathering, that they fall into the places
and refuge of safety that God shall open unto them, between Kirtland and
Far West. Those from the
east and from the west, and from far countries, let them fall in somewhere
between those two boundaries, in the most safe and quiet places they can
find; and let this be the present understanding, until God shall open a
more effectual door for us for further
considerations.
And again, we further suggest for the considerations of the council, that
there be no organization of large bodies upon common stock principles,
in property, or of large companies of firms, until the Lord shall signify
it in a proper manner, as it opens such a dreadful field for the avaricious,
the indolent, and the corrupt hearted to prey upon the innocent and virtuous,
and honest.
We have reason to believe that many things were introduced among the saints
before God had signified the times; and notwithstanding the principles
and plans may have been good, yet aspiring men, or in other words, men
who had not the substance of Godliness about them, perhaps undertook to
handle edged tools. Children, you know, are fond of tools,
while they are not yet able to use them.
Time and experience, however, are the only safe remedies against such
evils. There are many teachers, but, perhaps, not many Fathers. There are
times coming when God will signify many things which are expedient for
the well-being of the Saints; but the times have not yet come, but will
come, as fast as there can be found place and reception for them.
D&C 123
1And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all
the saints
gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put
upon them by the people of this state;
2and also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained,
both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;
3and also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions,
as far as they can get hold of them and find them out.
4And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and
to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications
that are afloat;
5and all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the
libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and
present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and
murderous impositions that have been practiced
upon this people-
6that we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the
heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort
which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and
completely claim that promise
which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole
nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of
his mighty arm.
7It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall
be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children,
who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the
most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged
on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which has so strongly riveted
the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of
the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger
and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the
whole earth groans under the
weight of its iniquity.
8It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs,
and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell.
9Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives
and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers
have been murdered under
its iron hand;
10which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder,
and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble
and palsy.
11And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation,
and to all the pure in heart-
12for there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and
denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby
they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because
they know not where to find it-
13therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to
light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they
are truly manifest from heaven-
14these should then be attended to with great earnestness.
15Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lies in
futurity, pertaining to the saints,
which depends upon these things.
16You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a
very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the
wind and the waves.
17Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that
lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance,
to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
And again, I would further suggest the impropriety of the organization
of bands or companies, by covenant or oaths, by penalties or secrecies;
but let the time past of our
experience and sufferings by the wickedness of Doctor Avard suffice and
let our covenant be that of the everlasting covenant, as is contained in
the Holy Writ and the things that God has revealed unto us. Pure friendship
always becomes weakened the very moment you undertake to make it stronger
by penal oaths and secrecy.
Your humble servant or servants, intend from henceforth to disapprobate
everything that is not in accordance with the fulness of the gospel of
Jesus Christ, and is not of a bold, and frank, and upright nature. They
will not hold their peace-as in times past when they see iniquity beginning
to rear its head-for fear of traitors, or the consequences that shall
follow by reproving those who creep in unawares, that they may get something
with
which to destroy the flock. We believe that the experience of the Saints
in times past has been sufficient, that they will from henceforth be always
ready to obey the truth without having men's persons in admiration
because of advantage.
It is expedient that we should be aware of such things; and we ought always
to be aware of those prejudices which sometimes so strangely present themselves,
and are so congenial to human nature, against our friends, neighbors, and
brethren of the world, who choose to differ from us in opinion and in matters
of faith. Our religion is between us and our God. Their religion is between
them and their God.
There is a love from God that should be exercised toward those of our
faith, who walk uprightly, which is peculiar to itself, but it is without
prejudice; it also gives scope to the
mind, which enables us to conduct ourselves with greater liberality towards
all that are not of our faith, than what they exercise towards one another.
These principles approximate nearer to the mind of God, because it is like
God, or Godlike.
There is a principle also, which we are bound to be exercised with, that
is, in common with all men, such as governments, and laws, and regulations
in the civil concerns of life. This principle guarantees to all parties,
sects, and denominations, and classes of religion, equal, coherent, and
indefeasible rights; they are things that pertain to this life; therefore
all are alike interested; they make our responsibilities one towards another
in matters of corruptible things, while the former principles do not destroy
the latter, but bind us
stronger, and make our responsibilities not only one to another, but unto
God also. Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a
glorious standard; it is founded in
the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are
privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing
waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great
tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the
burning rays of an inclement sun.
We, brethren, are deprived of the protection of its glorious principles,
by the cruelty of the cruel, by those who only look for the time being,
for pasturage like the beasts of the field, only to fill themselves; and
forget that the Mormons, as well as the Presbyterians,
and those of every other class and description, have equal rights to partake
of the fruits of the great tree of our national liberty. But notwithstanding
we see what we see, and feel what we feel, and know what we know, yet that
fruit is no less precious and delicious to our taste; we cannot be weaned
from the milk, neither can we be driven from the breast; neither will we
deny our religion because of the hand of oppression; but we will hold on
until death.
We say that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is
true; that the BIBLE is true; that the
BOOK
OF
MORMON
is true; that the BOOK OF COVENANTS
is true; that Christ is true; that the ministering angels sent forth from
God are true, and that we know that we have an house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God; a consolation which
our oppressors cannot feel, when fortune, or fate, shall lay its iron hand
on them as it has on us. Now, we ask, what is man? Remember, brethren,
that time and chance happen to all men.
We shall continue our reflections in our next. We subscribe ourselves,
your sincere friends and brethren in the bonds of the everlasting Gospel,
prisoners of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the Gospel and the Saints. We
pronounce the blessings of heaven upon the heads of the Saints who seek
to serve God with undivided hearts, in the name of Jesus Christ,Amen.
Joseph
Smith,
Jun.
Hyrum
Smith
Lyman
Wight
Caleb
Baldwin
Alexander
Mc
Rae